- Recent Comments - Chatsworth Metrolink Crash - L.A. Times

Cindy on September 12, 2013

Thu, 12 Sep 2013 01:59:25 -0700

On the 5 year anniversary, the memory of Maria Elena is just as strong. I met her in kindergarten as a sweet, funny little girl. We became close friends in middle school and remained cordial through high school. It still pains me to this day to think about the tragedy. A girl so young and so bright, it's just not fair. My heart goes out to Belen, Gonzalo, Bianca, and Raymon. You all are so strong and I wish you nothing but the best. Maria, I'll never forget you. You have a special place in my memories and I'm grateful to have known you.

monica on July 16, 2009

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:18:10 -0700

rip nena

someone on April 29, 2009

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 03:46:19 -0700

I'm sorry for what happen.Every time I think about her I just want to cry.She had big goals and one of them was to become a Fashion Designer.My favorite dress was her prom dress she looked so beautiful in it.Today she also looks so beautiful.everybody got hurt when they knew she was gone.She will always be in my prayers.We Love You Maria Elena!!!R.I.P Maria Elena

Belen(Maria Elena's mom) on April 4, 2009

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 11:24:31 -0700

My Nenita how I miss your beautiful smile, how I miss hearing you laugh... The pain will never go away. Your room is finally done and I think you would like how it has turned out. I put up the wallpaper you had picked out when we looked online for a designed that you liked, but instead of hearing the smooth sound of your new sewing machine, we only hear the silence. We sit there and look at all the pictures of you and cry. It will be 7 months since you've been gone, but it feels like yesterday. I miss you so, so much.

Melissa Villalobos on November 9, 2008

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 02:54:30 -0800

I feel really bad for what happen.When I knew that she was dead I started crying.I wish she wasn't dead.Now she is in heaven and she is a beautiful angel and she is in a safe place.RIP Maria Elena

Crystal on October 5, 2008

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 10:04:16 -0700

I remember when she use to take my brother and i to school everyday freshman year. I also remember when my brother took her to their senior prom. It meant a lot to her. RIP Maria

Donna & Roy Aiken on October 4, 2008

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 02:24:34 -0700

We are so sorry for your loss of such a young person. We lost our son also, Christopher and know the sorrow you must be feeling everyday. May you know our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Ron G.(Friend Of Jacob Hefter) on October 3, 2008

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 07:30:29 -0700

To Marias Mother and Family,my Godaughter Stephanie lost her boyfriend Jacob on that metrolink train.As we all sat there at the High school waiting to hear word of all the crash victims that friday night I prayed that Maria would be ok. I knew she was a very special and beautiful young lady and loved so much.I remember seeing and hearing your pain,it broke my heart.I didn't see you on TV cause I was at the high school with my brother and his family waiting to hear something on Jacob.It was a horrible night.I just want to say how sorry I am to hear about your daughter. May God in time help you to heal your broken hearts.

mey chao on October 1, 2008

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:13:48 -0700

Though we all may have lost someone who is a big part of our lives and our hearts and we are not able to replace or fill that emptyness that our love ones have taken with them when they left this world. but i hope that maybe we all can come together and allow each other to come into each others lives since i know that we all share the same pain. when my father passed in that metrolink 2008 crash my life has not been the same and its been very difficult, my father left behind his wife and 5 children and so many grand children, and we all miss and love him so much but talkin about him with my family and remembering all the good times we had with him helps us with our pain of losing him. so i just would like to let you all know i am here if you need to talk or just someone to listen to you. my email is chaomey82@gmail.com my hearts and prayers go out to you.

MONICA VILLALOBOS on September 29, 2008

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 06:50:42 -0700

TO MY DEAREST FAM. VILLALOBOS I KNOW WHAT WE ARE GOING THROUGH IS REALLY HARD . THERE IS REALLY NO WORDS TO CONSOLE ALL OF US FOR OUR LOSS. IT HURTS US REALLY BAD TO LOOSE ON OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS AFTER I KNEW SUCH A LONG TIME AND SUCH A BEATIFULL LIFE SHE HAD. AFTER ALL SHE WANTED TO BE FAMOUS SHE IS GOING TO GET HER FAME EVEN THOUGH SHE WILL NOT BE WITH US. I LOVE YOU NENA JUST TO LET YOU KNOW I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU EVER.

Barbara Kaeni on September 29, 2008

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:17:36 -0700

I saw your family on the news that awful night waiting for word of your daughter Maria. My heart stopped knowing what it's like to be waiting for a child - not even under those horrible circumstances. I tried to find out what happened hoping & praying that your daughter was going to be OK. When I opened the paper a week ago & they showed the 25 fatalities Maria's face jumped out at me. I read about each & every one & hoped that that beautiful girl with the beautiful & brilliant smile hadn't been come from the Fashion Institute of Design. My heart sank when I read that Maria was one that did not make it. For some reason your family touched me & when I saw her picture I felt that I had such a strong sense of what a wonderful family you are & how deeply you are mourning your loss. To lose a child is such a tragedy but my only hope that one day the happy memories that went along with that smile will be more abundant than the deep grief you & your family are going through at this time. Please know that my thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.

Sara on September 24, 2008

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 03:41:21 -0700

I wasn't on the train and don't know anyone who was. But my God this whole thing is so terrible. I'm so sorry to anyone feeling pain from this. Time will heal wounds...

GodOnlyKnows... on September 24, 2008

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:53:04 -0700

i am truly sorry for your loss. i watched the news the day of the horrific accident and saw this family desperately looking for their love one i was sadden when the coroners office release the names of those who were deceased and was touched when i saw your name among the others. my sympathy and love goes out to your fam.and prayers may God have you in his arms.

C.M.M on September 22, 2008

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:29:45 -0700

First off, let me say that my deepest condolennces go out to you & your family! I was watching all the coverage of the accident all day long. For an odd reason i was ssssooo saddened when i heard of her death. May she rest in paradise!<3 & may god give everyone the strength to get through this ordeal! Not just Maria's family but all th familys who suffered a loss!

Kim Brower on September 20, 2008

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 11:30:54 -0700

We waited that horrible long night together for just a word from our loved ones...We sat behind you and your wonderful family watching the tv, drinking cold coffee to stay awake, and praying that we would get news... We did, we marched that long parking lot dreading the news awaiting us in the little room on the corner. We all new it was there, we all ignored it hoping we would never have to see the inside. My Dad and I where called in first to learn my husband Dean had just been identified dead. We pulled ourselves together, swiped our tear stained faces, sunglasses in place we leaned on each other hoping to make it to the car before falling apart. There you where...the beautiful mother of Maria standing outside waiting to hear our news, you where the first I clung to in disbelief. I am so, so sorry for your loss. My father and I prayed that they would find Maria alive. The families who remained vigiliant throughout the night are forever bound by a bond that no one will ever understand and I hope they never have to. Please know we share your grief and wish to keep in touch with you. As the dust settles we will need to cling to each other again and if there is anything at all we can do for you and your dear family, please do not hesitate to ask. Most Sincerely, Kim Brower (Dean Brower's Wife) kim@pulsedrumming.com

scott on September 20, 2008

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:50:42 -0700

To Maria's family, Like many who wrote to offer their condolences, I saw Maria's mom on the news on the night of the tragic accident. I am very saddened to learn about your loss. May you and your family find comfort in the aftermath of this senseless tragedy. I live a mile from the crash site and, whenever I drive past, I can feel the immense loss of people I never knew. My thoughts and prayers will be with Maria and her family whenever I drive past.

trixie on September 20, 2008

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 01:43:40 -0700

my prayers go out to the memory of Maria and her family. i am her age and also studying to be a fashion designer and am heartbroken to hear that her life was cut so short and the world will not get to see her talent. may her soul rest in peace and may peace be with her family.

Monica on September 19, 2008

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:41:46 -0700

Maria's family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I wished for the best when I saw Maria's mom and little sister on TV. My most sincere condolescenes on your loss.

Mary on September 19, 2008

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:53:20 -0700

My heart goes out to the family who mourns maria. I'm so sorry.

A Moorpark Mom on September 19, 2008

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 06:29:53 -0700

My prayers are with the Villalobos family. Maria was a member of my son's MHS 2008 graduating class. The MHS class of 2008, the fashion world and all of Moorpark is in mourning for this wonderful, talented, and beautiful person.

Amy on September 19, 2008

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 06:28:52 -0700

Oh this is so sad, I too saw you and your other daughter on the news waiting to hear from Maria. Your story has stuck in my head all week, and I was hoping she came home to you. I've been super busy all week transitioning to a new job and haven't followed the news. Today as I sit researching the crash I see these comments I can only sit here crying thinking of the agony and grief your family is going through. It's so sad,I can't even imagine how you feel. My God bless you and your family and the soul of your precious daughter. Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Cindy on September 19, 2008

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:15:00 -0700

I has been a really sad tragedy. My heart goes out to all the families of the victims. My prayers are with you. God Bless all the families.

ricardo in tj on September 19, 2008

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:23:16 -0700

valerie is my babys name and she started changing my life since day 1 may god bless your baby

Maria on September 19, 2008

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:06:06 -0700

I'm so truly sorry for your loss. I saw you on the news that night searching for your daughter. Of all the stories your's stood out. It was how you said your daughter wanted to be a fashion designer. And how you said she was beautiful and tall. I started crying i couldn't hold back the tears. I so wanted your daughter to be alright. I was and am so saddened that she she didn't make it. I have a daughter shes 18 and is such a blessing in our lives. She has type 1 diabetes and works so hard at what she sets out to do. Her name is very similar to your daughters name. I can't even type right now I'm so very sorry words can not express how i feel at this moment. I know that she is looking down from heaven with that golden beautiful smile of hers. Looking after everyone that loved her so. God Bless you and your family.

Mey Chao on September 19, 2008

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:56:22 -0700

i know exactly how you feel, my father had passed in that accident, i will pray for him and the whole family. HUGS

Jill in Long Beach on September 18, 2008

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:37:42 -0700

What a lovely smile. May you rest in peace, Maria. I saw your mother on the news - she spoke about you so sweetly. I know you were loved and that you will be missed. God bless.

Charlotte on September 18, 2008

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:15:02 -0700

I am a student at FIDM studying fashion design and feel a personal connection to Maria. I pray for your family to feel the peace of the Spirit though this season of sorrow. I hope for you to have an eternal perspective and remain confident that you can be with Maria again on the other side. Let your heart be comforted in this = ) All me love,

Toni on September 18, 2008

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:20:46 -0700

Dearest Maria's Mother, My WHOLE HEART goes out to you. I was just at Moorpark High School, they had such wonderful things to say about your daughter. You and your husband raised a beautiful, kind,funny, very talented daughter. She will be designing clothes in heaven. I will be thinking of you and your family. Maria Elena Villalobos, RIP.

Eva Uran on September 18, 2008

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:07:49 -0700

I never knew Maria but reading her story and all these commentaries was so heart-wrenching, I broke down in tears. All the victims' stories are heart-breaking but this one in particular, as a bright, ebullient young woman with a promising future ahead of her was cut down in her prime. I can only hope that the family, along with other victims' famillies will direct all their grief and anger to push for stronger safety measures and better rail design to prevent such a crash from ever happening again.

Gabby on September 18, 2008

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:55:09 -0700

I am an Alumni of FIDM and my heart goes out to the family of Maria. As a fellow Metro commuter myself i feel saddened with this lost, such a young girl full of life, dreams and hopes. May God bless you...