NOVATO, Calif. -- A crowd gathered for a candlelight vigil in Novato Thursday evening to remember a nine-year-old girl who died earlier in the day after she and her father were hit in a crosswalk by a drunk motorcyclist.

Nine-year-old Melodie Osheroff of Novato passed away at Children's Hospital Oakland hours after police say a motorcyclist riding under the influence ran a stop sign at San Carlos Way and San Marin Drive.

Melodie and her father Aaron Osheroff, 41, of Novato, were struck by the motorcycle at around 8:45 p.m. Wednesday night, Novato police Lt. John McCarthy said. Aaron Osheroff remains in critical condition at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.

Police said Edward J. Schaefer, 49, of Novato was speeding and failed to stop at a stop sign. He was arrested at Marin General Hospital Thursday for vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, mayhem, and enhancement alleging infliction of great bodily injury during a felony, McCarthy said.

Thursday night's emotional memorial started at San Ramon Elementary School where the girl was a student. It ended at the intersection where she and her father were struck.

The tribute to Melodie and her father attracted a large turnout of classmates, friends, and neighbors. Some said they could not fathom the incredible loss.

"Knowing that someone my age has died from an inconsiderate man…it's really unfair," said nine-year-old schoolmate Kobe Peery.

"I'm upset that whoever hit her should spend the rest of their life in jail right now," said ten-year-old Eric Leroux who was friends with Melodie.

Mary Pritchard works as the principal at San Ramon Elementary School. She told KTVU Melodie had attended the school since she was a kindergartner.

She said parents of the other students were notified about melodies death earlier Thursday. The close-knit community responded with the spur of the moment memorial. Some said it stands as a reminder how precious and fleeting life can be.

"Too close to home. I just saw her yesterday with her dad," said area parent Gina Proffitt. "Very sad. I said 'See you tomorrow...'"

Melodie's principal told KTVU grief counselors will be on campus Friday to help the students cope. The nine-year-old girl's many classmates described her as being a sweet girl who always stuck up for her friends.