Chatsworth Metrolink Crash Fatality
He was a gentleman -- so insightful, always present. The love that we had for each other is enough to last a lifetime.
— Andrea Katz, fiance
Charles "Chuck" Peck, of Salt Lake City, flew into Los Angeles Friday afternoon for a job interview. He hoped to move to California and marry his fiance, Andrea Katz, of West Lake Village. She was on her way to pick him up at the Moorpark Metrolink station when she heard news of the crash.
The coroner initially listed Peck's age as 58, but corrected it on Sept. 15 to 49.
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Keep in mind
- The Times initially mispelled the name of Michael Hammersley and Beverly Mosley.
- The coroner's office reported a 26th victim the afternoon of Sept. 15, but a few hours later said the tally was 25.
68 memories of Charles
my thoughts and prayers to those that were left behind.
My heart goess out to the family of this young man, always remember the nice and wonderful things and some day you will all see him again in heaven.
my condolences to Charles family and friends
chucky, we called him was a good man, he will be missed by the delta airlines employees may God bless his family at this dificult time
Chuck was engaged to my aunt Andrea. They loved each other so much and were looking forward to being married, the first time for her, the second for him. He was scheduled to have an interview out here this weekend, so that he could move in with Andrea. Chuck fit in so well with our family, and he loved my aunt so much. They had a wonderful year together. Just last weekend they took my little brother out mini golfing. We love you Chuck, and we still haven't fully accepted that this happened.
May the Lord have your soul in Heaven Charles.
It hurts to learn that innocent lives , were taken away on Friday. What hurts the most is seeing Maria Elena's mother on television cry, as you probably seating next to her. Natalie remembered about Maria Elena and left her memory in her section.
May you rest in peace.
Chuck was so full of life that I can't imagine him not being here anymore. You always knew when he was in a room and he always made people laugh. Work will never be the same without him. Chuck was so happy with his life right now that it is crushing that he has lost it. My heart goes out to his family, his children and his girlfriend. You have lost a very special person and he will be greatly missed by his friends at Delta.
My Uncle Chuck was one of the most amazing people someone could ever meet. He always had something funny to say and talked with his hands. Waiting at Chatsworth high school, with the other families. I kept expecting him to come around a corner with his arms and hands waving in the air telling us his story. But he never came. The world won't be the same without him.
I only met Chuck over a year ago the same day he met his girlfriend Andrea, my heart hurts for you andrea, and Chucks family you are truly in my prayers.
I've known Chuck for 20years I married his sister and Chuck was always ready for something funny to say.We've gone camping together with his kids, We enjoy his conpany every time he came down to visit. After his marriage was over and his kids were grown he found happness with a good friend of ours named Andera we saw that she made him happier than he's ever bend. He was ready to start a new life for himself an Andera they had plans to go to Florida for his 50th birthday,in October as well as getting a new job so he can move back to California so that they could get married, as well as being closer to his family. Their it so much to say about Chuck, I'm going to miss him I'll never forget him.
Being my first love, Chuck always held a special place in my heart. It's been at least 25 years, but those eyes...
Mr. and Mrs. Peck, Barbara, Cookie, Rick and all the rest of Chuck's loved ones-my heart and prayers go out to you. May God be with you in your time of grief.
My heartfelt condolences go out to his children, family, and fiance.
My Uncle rode those same trains for years to and from work, but left this earth way too soon a few months ago.
I know in my heart that he was there to greet everyone at heaven's door.
Delta Airlines lost one of it's best on that day.
May God Bless all of you in your time of grief.
"Charley" was a One of a Kind Character. We just loved the
Man. Lord, did He make us laugh!! A No Holds Barred
attitude on Life, with a Terrific sense of Humor.
Our thoughts, and Prayers go out to His Children, Family,
and Sweetheart. We will miss you Charley, BIG Time!
R.I.P., "MF"!
-Steve & Annie Atkinson
We met Chuck through our friend Andrea, his fiance. He was a wonderful man and made her very, very happy. It's hard to believe this has happened - he was so close to moving to CA and getting married...it's almost unbearable to think about. To Chucks family, remember the good times and know he loved you all. To Andrea, we adored him and are so sorry for your loss. God bless you all.
My condolences go out to Chuck's loved ones. Be strong and remember the good times.
I married Chuck's brother Richard in 1999 and Chuck always made me feel like his sister. He never let a telephone call end without telling us he loved us. We were all looking forward to having him live close by. We were so fortunate to have been able to get together as a family the weekend before the accident. Now Chuck lives on in our hearts. Chuck you will never be forgotten. Your kids will always be taken care of and loved and will always be reminded of how much you loved them. Our love is with Andrea during this tough time, you made Chuck so happy. Bless you for that!!
I was one of the crew memeber of a ambulance that responded to the accident on that day. I trasported many people that day. I just wanted to say. I'm sorry for your lose.
I work with Chuck's sister (Barbara) and only met Chuck a couple times but knew he was one of the good one's. My condolences go out to his family. May god bless you all in this time of grief. I'm sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
OUR CONDOLENCE IS WITH FAMILY AT THIS TIME. GOD BLESS YOU
I work with Chuck here in SLC. I told Chuck just days before the accident that the ramp would be losing its most entertaining friend once he moved to Cali and that he would be missed. I know that he was happy with the way things were working out for him. He lit up just talking about his plans. He loves his family and future family very much! The loss of Chuck left a hole in everyones life who knew him. I miss you Chuck and pray for your loved ones in this difficult time.
I remember meeting this man at Curt's and Nicole's wedding almost a year ago. I find it upsetting that a certified train operator could make such a mistake that would cost so many innocent lives. I am friends w/ some of his immediate family and I send my heart and condolences your way. He was a great man.... no one will ever forget that
I will never forget Chuck from way back when :) My condolences go out to his family. I am so very very sorry for your loss.
My uncle was one of the most unique people i have ever known. He was always making people laugh even when he wasn't trying to by his amazing sense of humor. We were all looking forward to having him close by because through most of my life he was away in Utah but that changed when he met Andrea. She was a true blessing in disguise by bringing a loved one closer to his family and making him a happier, more enjoyable person to be around. I know I speak for my family and anyone who ever met you Chuck by saying, "we love you and you will never be forgotten."
It is so hard to believe that you are gone. Just last weekend we sat at the family gathering and talked about
our lifes and I left there with the feeling that it had
been one of our best times together. My heart goes out to Andrea, I saw the love you two shared and was happy that you finally found someone you loved and could share your life together. We love you and know you will be watching over all of us, until it is our time to visit you in heaven. You will always be in our hearts. And my love and prayers go out to all your family and friends everywhere.
I was blessed to have met Chuck about 30 years ago while he was visiting his grandparents. His good nature and his fast laugh were a welcome trait of his. He introduced me to his wonderful, loving family and they made me feel right at home. Our friendship lasted through the years because he was such a good and caring friend, a great guy to be around. He was very funny and he was thoughtful and kind, and when you needed a friend to be there for you, you could count on him for his love, his support and his advice. I have always thought of Chuck as more of a brother to me then as just a good friend of mine and my life has been enriched because I had the good fortune to have had Charles Peck call me his friend. I will miss you much. God bless you and may God give peace into the hearts of all the loved ones Chuck has left behind.
Andrea - I am deeply sorry for your loss. He will always be remembered for the loving, caring, supportive man he was to all that knew him. He will always remain within the hearts of those that knew him. May God give you strength.
That best portion of a good man's life,
His little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love. --"W. Wordsworth"
Those lucky enough to have known Chuck will not forget him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his fiance and family.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Chuck but Andrea his fiance has been a close friend of my sisters for many years. I only heard wonderful things about him and how happy he made Andrea. My heart goes out to Andrea and all his family and friends. May you all be surrounded by loved ones to comfort your soul during this difficult time. With love, deep thoughts and prayers for you all.
We only had the priviledge of meeting Chuck one time a few months back at a friend's birthday party, but could tell right away what a great guy he was and what a tremendous love he and Andrea shared. To Andrea and Chuck's family, please take comfort in the fact that he touched everyone that he met along the way in his brief time with us. Well we may never understand God's plan for us, I'd like to think that he needed another angel up there in Heaven. Our hearts go out to you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
May you find peace and love in the memories you cherish. When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place. God bless !!!
My Condolences to the Family.
Although we have never met, I just want to tell Andrea and The Peck Family, May all the wonderful memories of Chuck keep him close to your hearts. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chuck was my brother. I can't believe he will no longer be calling me from the airport to "come and get me". He was a great brother who was preparing for a wonderfull new life with my friend of many years, Andrea. We had many great camping trips together, and with Andrea. I will truly miss his sarcasim, his sense of humor, his love of family, and his backpack in front of our tv when he came to visit! Chuck I will greatly miss you and I will wait till we see each other again. Luv Ya
We are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
To Andrea, Chucks family & friends and all those effected by this terrible tragedy..."Our loved ones have but stepped round the corner physically; but the air around us, the wind, the trees, the sky, the light, the darkness - they all carry their spirit which is always with us. The memories, the joys and sorrows, shared jokes and whispers, cries and laughter are all there to carry us through sad times and remind us to be strong, to remember the riches of memories left behind for us, and to pray for the peace of the departed souls." By Khalil Gibran
To Andrea and Chuck's family, though I have not met you, I am terribly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. From everything I have heard about Chuck, he obviously was a man full of life and love, and I know you will truly miss him. God bless you all.
Uncle Chuck was always so much fun. He always made the family laugh and was joking around with everyone. We were excited for him to be closer and excited for his marriage to Andrea. We will never forget his smiles and his amazing sense of humor. We'll never forget when you waited for over 12 hours at the airport to make it to our wedding. Cousins--if you need anything--we are always here for you. You will never be forgotten and you are loved and missed very much.
It always makes me happy when my wife informs me that my sister Andrea is coming to dinner, but it got even better during the past year when that news meant that Chuck would be at our table too. He always came in the door with a bright smile on his face and often made his first order of business to sit down to a game of chess with my young son David. He was clever and thoughtful and funny and so alive. I cry for my sister's loss, but I cry for my own as well.
It was some good memories we shared when we both worked at Delta. You could always make me laugh. I feel responsible in a way that you were on that train because I asked you to come down for the interview on Friday. I will always be thinking about you bud. I miss your smile and your laugh. Im sorry.
Still can't believe you are gone, we will all miss you. God bless Andrea and your kids, he talked about you all the time and was so happy. RIP, Chuck, I'll miss our talks.
My heartfelt condolences to you Andrea...and to Chuck's family. I never got the pleasure to met Chuck, but I know through Heather and Jen how happy your love was for one another. I pray for your comfort through this tragedy. Cherish the blessings that you and Chuck alone had. Andrea, honey, you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you.
Andrea:
My prayers and thoughts are with you and Chuck's family at this difficult time.
It only took a brief encounter over cards to make a lasting impression as to how wonderful a person he is. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I guess other than Don Robinson here at Delta myself and Don knew him longer than anyone here.In 30 years we have seen alot of people come and go but nothing has hit me harder than the loss of Chuck.I am just now getting to where I can talk about him.I have watched him grow from the skateboarding kid that came up to Anchorage where I met him to the man that left here on Friday.My heart goes out to all that knew him and he will be sorely missed.I dont know how much he talked about his workmates but I am the one also known as Hollywood that last abbreviated "See Ya Holly" will have to last the rest of my life.Chuck my friend,"Rest In Peace"....
I didn't know Chuck very long at Delta Airlines as he worked mostly nights but when he took a day shift this last bid I did have the pleasure of working with him. I first bonded with him when I overheard him talking about his girlfriend Andrea (which happens to be my name as well) and him telling a hysterical story about how he and she and her maltese dog took the dog for walks in its stroller as I can only relate. Unfortunately I lost my maltese, Lacee, six weeks ago which was as devastating as this news of his death was to me. It brought tears to his eyes when I told him she passed away. He was my 3 o'clock therapy session as we all awaited the end of our shifts. He made me laugh so hard during the wait to go home and always went home with a stomach ache from laughing so hard. I was so ecstatic when he told me that he had this interview and how happy he was to be returning to LA. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. My heart goes out to Andrea. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed greatly.
Travis, Please never feel any responsibility at all for this. It was your job interview that gave my brother such joy that day. We all know he died a happy, happy person that day. It was to be his new beginning, a new beginning with Andrea....and it was so close. God has a purpose for us all, and Chuck was called, his turn.
Dear Cookie, I am Debbie Greeno's friend Ronni, married to Frank. Deb told us your Brother was on the train. Please know how deeply sorry we were to hear that he didn't make it. Our hearts go out to your entire family, his boys, and his new wife to be, Andrea. We are thinking of you all during this very sad time - God Bless you all.
Where do you start!? Chuck you are such a goofball..man you were crazy! I especially enjoyed when you started every sentenance with "MF"'s..what a pill you are. Everyone here at Delta feels such a void. We have truly lost a bright light in our day, and a wonderful spirit has entered heaven. May you rest in peace. All our love to your family, children and your "soulmate" Andrea.
Vios con dios my friend..
I did not have the pleasure of meeting Chuck, but I've been lucky to have been friends with his fiance Andrea for years. I know what a remarkable man he must have been to have made my friend so happy. I am sure he will be missed by all who knew him as well as by those who simply knew of him and the happiness he brought to Andrea and the lives of the ones we love. Thank you Chuck.
All I can think about is the 2 strawberry daiquiri's you owe me. That sucks! Your not suppose to be gone yet,I miss your smart-ass-ness. It just came natural to you! I miss and love you!! You will be remembered for all of your great qualities, your an awesome friend and person!!! XOXO :)
From the moment we met i knew you were a great guy! You only lived at my complex for a few years, but we had some great times! Jordan also loved spending time with you and your family. We are really gonna miss you!! Your gonna be in our thoughts FOREVER! There's so much i want to say because there was so much i wanted to do with you still, i could be here forever writing to you. I think you know what's in my heart. One more thing before I finish "Did you try to call me last night?" LOVE YOU MAN -R.I.P. BRO-
i know exactly how you feel, my father had passed in that accident, i will pray for him and the whole family. HUGS
I want to thank everyone for acknowledging me in your comments. Because our relationship was only for a year of Chuck's life, I was sure it was going to be brushed under the rug.
Both Chuck and I went through our lives without experiencing true love. We knew each other for 20 years, I was always alone and he was always tormented by his less than pleasant marriage. He hung in there for the sake of his kids which is testimony to the good man he was.
We had not seen each other for a couple of years before we met up at a family camping trip. His brother-in-law Henry started teasing me about "hooking up" with Chuck since we were both single and lonely. Because I am six feet tall and Chuck was such a little guy, I thought it was the craziest idea I'd ever heard.
A few beers later Chuck and I were rocking the RV.
We fought the idea of being a couple because we lived so far apart and his life was complicated by the pending divorce. But as hard as we tried, we could not stay away from each other. It was obvious that we had both found the love of our lives.
Chuck worked for 29 years with one goal in mind and that was to be able to enjoy his retirement knowing that his children would be supported, that his ex-wife would have her fair share and that we could be comfortable and enjoy growing old together.
How cruel it is that our lonliness was finally replaced by love...and then it was taken away before he could reap the rewards of all his hard work and the sacrafices he had made for his kids.
Although Chuck became disenchanted with Delta when they would not help him to transfer to LA, he considered his co-workers as his Delta family. He was such a hard worker, if we were on the phone together and his name got called, he would hang up immediately and get to work.
He had a strong belief that he would never participate in anything that would cost another co-worker his/her job. If he was asked by a superior "who made this mistake" he would say, "I didn't see it happen, I know nothing, I wasn't there."
He loved his family with all his heart. He had the utmost respect for his parents and their partners. He was bonded to the core with his siblings. And of course his children were the lights of his life.
I have been hanging onto the fact that Chuck died on possibly the happiest day of his life thanks to Travis and his pending interview. And I have been assured that he died instantly and did not suffer.
Chuck wanted us to get married right away, but I made the mistake of wanting to wait until we could live together as I could not fathom sending my husband away every Monday for his work shift.
I have never wanted anything more than I wanted to be Mrs. Charles E. Peck and that is my only regret. But in my heart and his too, we were bound together by eternal love.
Because I never got the chance to do this...I hope you will all forgive me, but I want to sign off as....
Mrs. Charles E. Peck
To Andrea,the boys, Rachael and Chuck's family - I'm finding it very hard to put my thoughts into words of comfort in this difficult time. My heart goes out to all of you. Michael and I miss Chuck so very much, it's hard to believe that he's not here for the fun, exciting plans that we had made for the future. On one of our most recent adventures... We had gone to a Jack Johnson concert, I looked over at Chuck and he was bobbing up and down having a fantastic time; even though I know Jack Johnson was not his first pick for a concert, he was having a blast. He always made the best of the situation. We feel very blessed that we were lucky enough to get to know and love him in the past year. Chuck... You will be missed so much and you'll be in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for making Andrea so happy.
In a time such as this, words can not begin to express our deep sadness and heartbreak at the loss you have experienced. The pain you feel is shared by many as Chuck generously impacted numerous lives and souls on every path he took. Through his warmth, his intelligence, and his ability to teach he gave a gift to all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Andrea, you have amazed us with your spirit, your strength and your courage. Your ability to take this man and make him a better, happier person is so admirable; you are an angel walking among us. During this time of great sadness please accept our condolences at the loss of your wonderful partner, fiance, and friend.
Chuck, over the past few days I have reflected on the great man I saw you to be and how the stories and memories of you steadily capture my attention. I will forever cherish the many hours we spent together, talking, listening, and laughing; you always seemed to be the center of attention.
From the simplest issues such as you hiring on with the airline industry and how it could be handled easier and run much more efficiently or the crazy nicknames you gave to all the part-timers, to where and how you grew up, and most recently the new life you had found with a wonderful angel you called Andrea; I never grew tired of the time I was able to share with you.
For me, the most heartwarming stories were those of your children. When you spoke of them your eyes would light up and the love you felt for them was undeniable. I would often tease you about how you yourself were much like a child and that the energy you had would not only serve to keep up with them, but run circles around them.
Chuck, the last time we spoke you were aglow with the prospect of the job opportunity that ahead of you in California, you told me how this was your 'dream job.' You were so enthusiastic, this is the Chuck I will forever remember and hold dear in my heart.
Chuck, the last memory I would like to share is that of a joke between us. I use to always tease you about how light you were, how I was going to have to tie you down during our windstorms to prevent you from blowing away. Now I will tie down the memories but you are free to blow in the wind and watch over all of those who care so much for you.
It still feels like this cant be real, I keep waiting for you to come in thru the doors at Delta , Put on a CD of your choice ,,and start going off on whatever the topic of that day may be.( But still I know it will not happen )..and that, makes us all sad.
Chuck.. you had VOICE man..And no one could stop or intemadate you. You cared for what was right and spoke your mind. And from you ,,we all learned how to better stand our ground for whatever it may be that we belive in .
None of us will ever understand why your life was cut so short ,, But no one can ever say you dint live life to the fullest.\
In this past year ,I saw a man who in this life had found true love (Andrea), Loved his family, Friends , Kids ,.. And most of all Had this new found HOPE. I have never seen you this happy Chuck. ( you again showed us all theres always HOPE.)
So This is not goodbye Chuck But more of a thank you ..... Just for being real. and giving us all HOPE
I miss ya man,
Len
I didn't know Chuck, but I am sending my condolences. I read the comments; wish I had know him too - what a nice man he was. I have cried about the train crash even though I didn't know anyone on it - what a terrible loss of life, and so senseless. Andrea be lucky you found him - guys like that do not come around often - but I am deeply sorry for your loss - you will see him in Heaven some day. To Chuck's family and those of other travelors that day, please accept my deepest sorrow for your loss - my prayers are with you.
Our condolances are with you and your family, Chuck was a very friendly individual who always seemed to smile. We will see you in a later life friend.
Rich Paterson
Hi Andrea, Bill and I are your neighbors. We met you and Chuck at the Roach's Summer BBQ. I specifically remember how happy the two of you were. Our sincere condolances. Please come over for a cup of tea and big HUG anytime.
My heart go out for the children's and little Rachael.She is a handicap kid who know her dad is gone ,and she is missing him very much
Uncle Chuck and Aunt Pat,
I am sorry to hear about Chuck, you are always in my thoughts and prayers, email me anytime you want.
Love your niece,
Kelly Cantu
What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch. We do not understand why Chuck left this earth so soon, before his family and friends were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, through the grace of God may you begin to remember not just that he died, but that he lived. And that his life gave you memories too beautiful to forget. May that peace which comes from these memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Louis, Michelle, Corey and Alexandrea Mendes
Often, we don't realize how much another individual made us smile until they're no longer with us. Chuck had a dynamically, unique ability, regardless of mood or content, to bring a smile to any conversation. He is, and always will be an infamous part of the Delta family, and will truly be missed. May God bless his family and friends during this time.
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.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this time.May the memories you have sustain you through this difficult time.
I use to go out with Chuck before he move to Missiour. He was very apecial to me and I am so so sorry to hear about him> I have been trying to get a hold of him until I found this out. I am glad I knew him he was such a kind soul and I always have had a special place in my heart for him and always will. Rick if you read this please contact me. I would love to hear from you and find out a little more about Chuck, He will be miss and my heart is broken. Nellie
I still think of U every day dad.. U were the best dad a kid could ever ask for and i love U with all my heart.. I dont even know what to say i just want U back..
I miss U dad RIP your youngest son
I found out what happened way late, im so sorry to hear about Chuck. I had known him for about 15 years and was always laughing after talking to him, he was a good man. by the way you were right Chuck phx was way too hot. Rest in peace Chuck.
It's me chuck , I miss you very much , it's so hard to believe , that your gone , it's been five years , and I feel like your going to come around the Cornner at any moment , I want to thank you for saying good bye to me on the golf course , it was you plan as day , I just wish we could of had more time , and not a moment , you would be so proud of CJ , he's become quit a man , Daniels doing good , I wish he'd do much better , but hell I'm not doing any better so , I'm sad about leaving L.A. And not being able to go to you anymore , but I needed to get out of there , I think it wasn't good for me to always be going out to the site to see you , as you know , I'm always talking to you , holding you , DAMM it chuck go and smash that up side his head , I'm sure it was murder , his texting was just bull, he left five min. Early , ran four red lights , and never hit his brakes ,, I miss our talks , , I wish we could go fishing , I miss doing things with you , as you know you'll always be with me , I mean , you can never leave me , I had you put around my neck , you can never , I mean never come off , I had you sealed in with silver , , I'm reading what all your friends have said about you , and Andrea , I know I shouldn't dwell over our lose , but I miss you chuck , I have a very big hole in my heart , you were my rock , I feel I hear ou talking though me , and I hear footsteps walking with me , and your making me crazy , cuz I hear my name being called which I don't tell anyone , anymore , don't want to be put on meds for it , so it will be just between us ok bro , I'll talk to you later love ya and miss you so much it hurts , I just want to play one more round of golf , Andreas doing fine , from what I hear , she's taking your name , which I think is fantastic , you should have married her chuck , you left her way to soon , and broke and your kids never helped her out of YOUR money problems , , I think me and CJ are going back up to the keyni river , next year , I hope we do , I miss them ,well chuck must go as you can see I have my own problems , I love and miss you , your loving brother
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