Manuel Acosta Macias Jr.

Manuel Acosta Macias Jr., 31

Died: September 12, 2008
Anyone he came in contact with, he touched them in some way or another, always positive. He really knew how to live life, really knew how to have fun. I always admired him for that.
— Melissa Grisales, sister
Manuel Macias, a 31-year-old yoga instructor, had called his mother to say he missed the 2:20 p.m. train out of Union Station in Los Angeles. He would have to take the next one, he said. At 3:50 p.m., he called his aunt to say he would be home soon. When they heard about the crash, they called his phone repeatedly. No answer. They called three hospitals looking for him. No one had a record of him.
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68 memories of Manuel

I am very devistated. It was very hard for me; a stranger to hear of Manuel's death. I'm am very sorry!

— Crystal
September 13, 2008 at 8:39 p.m.

For some reason, whenever one learns about such a tragedy, one always fixates on those that are about their own age. . . or maybe it is just me, I don't know. But yesterday, from the very moment I first read that quote from his mother, I so, so, so hoped that what I feared simply wouldn't come true. My heart goes out to Manuel and all his family. I dunno, it's strange. But for some reason I have not been able to stop thinking about his mother, and about the desperate denial that was so heart wrenching in her quote. When I saw that this list had been posted, I was so hoping that somehow. . . his name wouldn't be on it. It's all just so sad.

— Mark
September 14, 2008 at 12:50 a.m.

http://mymetime.com/bio.htm

RIP Manuel. Thank you for serving our country as a Marine.

— J in Pasadena
September 14, 2008 at 1:38 a.m.

My prayers, thoughts and strength are with the Macias and Grisales family. I met Manuel over one year ago and considered him to be a friend. When I remember Manuel I see his big smile - that will stay with me. I will remember him telling me I need to focus and breath in the yoga class. And I will remember dancing the soul train with him at a fun family party. Love you and rest in peace. CDR

— Crystal in Santa Barbara
September 14, 2008 at 11:07 a.m.

I met Manuel at one of his family celebration. We connected right away. He was such a friendly person and will be missed in my heart. I remember the times when he called me so we could get together to hang out in Santa Barbara. He had a big heart and I notice that the first time I met him. I will never forget his bright smile. It will be with me forever. God be with you and your family, Manuel. Amem, Renata.

— Renata Mendonca
September 14, 2008 at 11:17 a.m.

May the Lord have your spirit in Heaven.

— Leo
September 14, 2008 at 11:28 a.m.

On behalf of all those touched by Manuel's spirit, laughter, and heart in the SPHS Class of '94; our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Manuel and I were in theatre together, he ran track with my husband, and my father-in-law was his coach. He was a wonderful friend. Our families are all deeply saddened by his unfair and untimely death, at a time in his life when he was giving so much.

Rest in Peace little Manuel. You will be missed.

— Hortencia Munoz Casarez
September 14, 2008 at 12:57 p.m.

Manuel was an AWESOME yoga instructor!!! He was really patient and informative and just a great person overall. Thank you Manuel for being such an awesome person.

L.A. Fitness in Ventura wanted me to tell his family that they send their thoughts & prayers.

May God have you in care now Manuel and may God give your family peace and strength through this time.

— Alma
September 14, 2008 at 2:28 p.m.

I am heartbroken beyond words. Manuel was my first yoga instructor and I feel so blessed to have practiced yoga with him. He was an incredible person.

"Namaste Manuel"....

— Lisa Musgrove
September 14, 2008 at 4:56 p.m.

I am so sorry. It just doesn't seem real. I Love Manual dearly and I will never forget how hard he could make me laugh. He was the funniest person I ever knew.
I will be praying for all of you.

— Tiffany Force
September 14, 2008 at 5:02 p.m.

Manuel you were the best friend to my Jamie when she needed a friend~ I thank you! Your memory and wonderful smile will live in our hearts forever!

— Patti
September 14, 2008 at 6:09 p.m.

It tears me to know how someone can be taken from us so suddenly. I happend to be looking at pictures from our 10 year class reunion on Friday, and Manuel is in half of them. He stood out in those pictures for some reason, now I know why. My heart and prayers go out to his family. Manuel had such a huge personality that no one could ignore. He always made everyone laugh around him. I'll cherish those memories and pictures forever.
Rest in peace Manuel, Namaste...

— Monique Fischer (Garcia)
September 14, 2008 at 6:28 p.m.

He was a really bright snd friendly cousin/person. when we would see eachohter around town we wloud always stop and talk. he will be missed and remembered for all that he has done. my heart goes out to you Cindy and Missy you guys will be in my prayers..... Just remember he is resting now and letting my dad know what everyones been you to.

— Natasha Nava
September 14, 2008 at 8:44 p.m.

Namaste Manuel

— Kristen
September 14, 2008 at 9:08 p.m.

Dear Macias and Grisales family: My prayers are with you during this difficult time.

— Vivian in Santa Barbara
September 14, 2008 at 9:46 p.m.

We we're always cool primo. I am sadden, and carry this pain in my heart for you. Damm man, I don't want to believe it!! You rest in peace......and thanks for being my cuz;) And thanks to all you who leave messages and condolences. Rest in Peace Primo, I Love You!!

— PRIMO
September 14, 2008 at 11:32 p.m.

Dear Macias Family,
On behalf of the Beefit Wellness Center, Naval Base Ventura County, we were deeply saddend to hear of loss of Manuel. While he was here teaching on the base, he touched our lives and was loved by many. The energy that he brought to this world will be missed but not forgotten.

— Karen/NBVC
September 15, 2008 at 9:21 a.m.

No consolation is enough but I Pray that God's peace fills all, replace all hurt, comfort all of the family and friends. May God comfort his soul and give him rest in the bosom of Abraham Isaac and Jacob in the place where tears and hurt are found no more.

1 Corinthians 15:12-22

12Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

13But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:

14And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

15Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

16For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:

17And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

18Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

19If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

— Nader Mansi
September 15, 2008 at 9:27 a.m.

My deep condolences to the entire family during this most terrible time. I love iced coffee because of Manuel - he couldn't drink it one day because he had to rush off to yoga class after having lunch with Melissa - so Melissa gave it to me! I know he will be missed forever by his friends and family. Melissa, please let me know if there is anything I can do. Sending many prayers and loving thoughts to you and your family. -jeri

— Jeri Muth
September 15, 2008 at 10:01 a.m.

I GREW UP WITH MISSY IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL AND I REMEMBER CYNTHIA BRINGING MISSY TO CLASS EVERY MORNING AND HAVING LITTLE MANUEL WITH HER. HE LOOKS EXACTLY THE SAME NOW AS HE DID WHEN HE WAS JUST A LITTLE GUY. I REMEMBER THINKING HE LOOK'S JUST LIKE HIS MOM. I AM SO SADDENED THAT MISSY LOST HER ONLY BROTHER AND CYNTHIA HER ONLY SON. THIS IS A DIFFICULT TIME FOR THEM AND THEIR FAMILY AND I PRAY FOR THEM EVERYDAY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL, YOU'RE IN MY HEART AND PRAYERS. WITH LOVE.

— MICHELLE
September 15, 2008 at 10:57 a.m.

Melissa and family,

I am deeply saddened for you and your family. You have my thoughts and prayers. Heaven has a new angel that will always be watching over you. God Bless.

— M. Boccali
September 15, 2008 at 11:27 a.m.

Our family lost our Manuel (Alcala) in the Glendale Metrolink crash in 2005. Now, your Manuel has been taken in this Metrolink crash. When I heard Manuel's mother speak about trying to find him, and calling over and over for hours after the crash.....my heart broke for his family, and the tears flowed. We had done the same thing. I wish there was something we could do or say to help your family through this difficult time. We are so very sorry for your loss. From what I have read in these posts, he was a wonderful man. Your family, and all the families who have suffered from this tragedy, are in our hearts and our prayers.

— Robyn
September 15, 2008 at 12:28 p.m.

Although I have never met Manuel nor his mother, they have been in my thoughts from the moment I read how desperately his mother was searching for him; that he had not answered the many calls she made to his cell phone. As a mother, I can only imagine her agony and pain. My deepest heartful sympathy goes out to Manuel's mother and family and to all the families who have lost loved ones.

— gloria
September 15, 2008 at 3:08 p.m.

Manny:
I am going to miss you in the yoga class. God took you because he needed you with him. I am sure you are happy with the angels already. I will always remember you and all you taught me not only about yoga, but also about life. Thank your for being a part of my life.

— Lilia
September 15, 2008 at 3:10 p.m.

Manny:

I am going to miss you in the yoga class. God needed another angel. I know that you are already with the angels smiling and happy. I am going to always remember all your teaching, not only about yoga, but about life. I was blessed because I met you.

— Lilia
September 15, 2008 at 3:26 p.m.

dood sorry........

— sanchez
September 15, 2008 at 3:28 p.m.

Manual was my first Yoga instructor and to this day the BEST one ever.

— Lauren
September 15, 2008 at 5:08 p.m.

My prayers got out to Manuels family and loved ones. I didn't know Manuel, but I did grow up in Santa Paula, and to hear that someone from this town was taken by the teribble accident, just seems unreal. This is a real tragedy. I'm very sorry for his families loss. God Bless You.

— ...
September 15, 2008 at 5:46 p.m.

i don't even know what to say right now....manuel and i have been friends since we were 17. we were instatanious friends. we met at vons and we quickly became joined at the hip. i luv him like a brother. i feel like a piece of me is going to be gone forever...we had ups and downs but we always knew someday we would be back together like no time had passed. his family, i feel is like my second family, and my family felt like he was part of ours. my heart aches for them because i know how much he meant to each and every one of them. i just want him to know that i luv him so very dearly and a day won't pass without me thinking of our amazing time together. i luv you manny...

— jennifer montoya
September 15, 2008 at 7:22 p.m.

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.

— Thomas EMS
September 16, 2008 at 9:33 a.m.

To the Macias Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. No words can take away the pain. I've been reading everyone's comments about Manny and it's comforting to know that Manny was such a great guy and loved by all. I remember him as a child dropping off or picking up Missy from school right along with their mom. May he rest in peace!

— Kristina Ochoa (Bellew) -Tollhouse, CA
September 16, 2008 at 11:18 a.m.

Missy and Family,
I will never forget Manny's big bright smile! Missy, I know he looked up to you too! Hang in there girl, may you and your family find the comfort you need through the memories he's made with your family.

— Verena (Yzaguirre) Hernandez
September 16, 2008 at 12:20 p.m.

OUR CONDOLENCE IS WITH THE FAMILY AT THIS TIME. GOD BLESS YOU

— CONNIE FIELDS
September 16, 2008 at 2:40 p.m.

I am very proud at this moment to call Manual my cousin...He was a lil' younger than me so we didn't have great contact but after reading his website and hearing so many wonderful things about my cousins' spirit and zest for life...it is very clear to me that it is true that the good do die young...too young...he has a lot of good company where he is now...rest peacefully Primo...say hi to Pop

— John Cota ( cousin)
September 16, 2008 at 3:27 p.m.

I knew Mr. Macias well. He was a pleasant and smart individual. My prayers go out to his family. He was a Veteran and served his country well.

— dr. dominguez
September 16, 2008 at 4:18 p.m.

It is sadden to know that a fellow "Cardnial" (Class mate) was taken.. R.I.P Manuel, now that your in heaven, take care of your family as they will look up in heaven for your protective. My prayers goes out to your family..

— SP Alumni
September 16, 2008 at 4:20 p.m.

Rest in Peace, Marine.

— A Fellow Marine
September 16, 2008 at 4:41 p.m.

It will never be the same going down to my moms and Manuel not coming around to call my wife a fag. I will cherish all the great times we all had together. He touched many peoples hearts and lives. Even though you may be gone YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. We all love you and may your soul rest in peace.

— Cousin Marky Mark
September 16, 2008 at 5:49 p.m.

Unbelievable! I am greatly saddened by Manuel's tragic death. Manuel and I were friends at SPHS, we had great fun together, but I really got to know him and enjoy our friendship while we both worked at VONS. I will never forget his love for life and laughter. My heartfelt prayers are with his family and friends. God bless you!

— Marnie Lazenby Jenkins
September 16, 2008 at 8 p.m.

Seeing Manuel in the Ventura Star brought great sadness. I couldn't believe it. Tring to stay in one piece as my heart skipped a beat I could see Manuel's dancing eyes and great smile inviting me to do yoga. He was a wonderful person. My prayers and thought are with the family. May God bless and give you all the strength to bear with your pain and sadness.

— Wendy (Luna) Vega
September 16, 2008 at 8:37 p.m.

Manuel had a sweet presence and such a big warm hug! One of those people you feel like you've known forever and wish you had known forever....shanti, shanti, shanti...

— Zan Ferris
September 16, 2008 at 8:59 p.m.

ILOVE U CUZ I NO YOUR WITH UR DAD NOW, I WILL SEE U SOME DAY IN HEAVEN.

— cuz yolanda
September 16, 2008 at 9:27 p.m.

Cindy,Missy and family As soon as this happened, it was so hard to beleive!! I truly see that manuel was loved and every one has great respect for him, his devotion,kindness,giving of himself to others. The joy and laughter he brings to others. Yes he reminds me so much of his Father Manuel Sr. I know Manuel and you Cindy will always be proud of your son. He is truly a blessing. Ps.23The Lord is my shepherd. Ishall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For his name sake. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.... Yes cuz manuel macias you made it home to "Heaven". See you on the other side! luv cuz lorraine&family.

— cuz lorraine & familia
September 16, 2008 at 10:06 p.m.

I served with Manuel Macias at MAG-39 in Camp Pendleton...he was a great Marine, person, and friend. I am saddened to hear he is no longer with us and my condolences go out to his family and loved ones!!

— Gonzo aka Tudy
September 17, 2008 at 7:52 a.m.

You were a great inspiration to all! I'll always and forever miss you and all the wonderful times we had together. I will celebrate our birthday together, just like we used too. You touched my heart Manuel. I will keep our family in my prayers and hope your precious soul will R.I.P. To Cindy and Missy, I am greatly sorry for your loss. Manuel will never be forgotten. I love you all!!

— Cousin Jeannette Dryer
September 17, 2008 at 8:13 a.m.

My condolences to Manuel's family. Manuel was a very special person I see.

— Pamela
September 17, 2008 at 10:34 a.m.

Manual is my very dear friend. I always had so much fun with Manual, at work we would laugh and dance all day long. No matter what I will always remember his big smile and positive outlook on life and I will miss him always. My condolences to his family. He was a very special person and loved by many.

— Sharon Elder
September 17, 2008 at 2:13 p.m.

Manuel..God Bless You..Manuel was a dear friend..Manuel I will miss you...

Cynthia Aguilar

— Cynthia Aguilar
September 17, 2008 at 2:51 p.m.

My prayers and thoughts are with the Macias Family. Manuel touched my heart. I was amazed how he gave so much of himself to help other people. It warmed my heart to see how Manuel would reach out to people through his yoga. I will never forget his big smile and friendly manner. I think our organization was touched by an angel and his name is Manuel Macias. I feel honored that I had the opportunity to work with Manuel.
Francine Sullivan
National MS Society

— Francine Sullivan
September 17, 2008 at 3:05 p.m.

Comment: The last time I saw Manuel, he was a little boy in his dads arms. From what I have read, I can see that Manuel Jr. had the same happy and joyful heart that was in his dad. I miss my cousin Manuel Sr., and now we will miss you also. But your memory will live forever in the hearts of those who knew you and loved you. My heart and prayers go out to your mom, your sister, grandparents and the rest of the Macias family who loved you dearly.

— Cousin Norma & Family
September 17, 2008 at 6 p.m.

I am sooooo saddened to hear of Manuel's death. My heart hurts for his mother and family. May God bless all of you with comfort. I wish I could be there with all of you. I am so glad I met Manuel and his family on Mother's Day when I went to visit my daughter Vikki. Vik praised Manuel and his family for all the joy they have given her and shared with her. Manuel helped my daughter in so many ways. Thank you Manuel and thank you to his family for giving the world such a wonderful person to know. Thank you Manuel for serving in the Military. May God Bless each of you.

— Angie Valdez
September 18, 2008 at 2:22 a.m.

I miss you so much Manny!! I love you and your spirit will live on inside all of us...Manny always made me laugh no matter what. He was such a positive person if I ever tried to be negative he would tell me, "Stooop it." and make some joke along with it that made me crack up. I will miss that but I will always think of you when I am needing someone to tell me "stop it..." and to laugh at everything. Love you so much and I'm praying for your family.

— Allison Pagano
September 18, 2008 at 9:40 a.m.

I am just shocked at how fast someone can be taken from us and I can't help but remember Manuels smile. I grew up with Missy playing soccer, spending the night at her house and remember Manuel always being around. Their relationship was more like best friends than sister/brother. What a blessing to have had him in our lives for this long. I hope you find the strength to celebrate his life and be happy he touched so many people's lives. I will keep the whole family in my prayers. God Bless you all!

— Jodie Ramirez, Las Vegas
September 18, 2008 at 12:17 p.m.

Manuel,
Thank you for the generosity of spirit with which you touched so many. Though we knew each other only briefly, a little bit of your smile now lives in each one of mine. I'll continue to pass it on.
Peace,

Todd Binkley, DC

— Todd Binkley
September 18, 2008 at 1:15 p.m.

Namaste, Manuel. Namaste

— SLAD
September 18, 2008 at 1:44 p.m.

Semper Fi Manuel , till we see again on the other side.

— William Michael
September 18, 2008 at 6:23 p.m.

Manuel was the greatest friend that anyone could wish for. He was always there for you! He always put everyone before himself. Manuel taught me so much as a Marine and as a person. He taught me how people should live their lives. He taught me to look at the good in all people no matter what. Manuel you are going to be missed by many people, but I know I will see you again. Bless you and your family.
Rita

— Rita
September 18, 2008 at 8:14 p.m.

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

— Mey Chao
September 19, 2008 at 9:39 a.m.

The hurt I endured with the passing of my uncle (ur grandfather), then ur dad (my cousin) and now you, has caused my sarrow to deepen. It really saddens me that we didn't take more time out to get to know each other better, but of course you don't think this way until a tragedy like this hits home. I know that the hurt will never go away, but I will always cherish the moments that we all have had together. My thougts and prayers are with you.... god bless you, and rest in peace Manuel. (From your family in Oakland,CA)

— Genevieve & Family
September 20, 2008 at 9:40 p.m.

I just want to give my condolences & thank Mey Chao, for even in her pain of losing her father in this accident, she took the time to post condolences to each of the spirits who were in this same tragic accident that left with her father for their journey to a spiritual world. May God Bless those that were loss & their loved ones, family & friends that they left here with us. May we all learn that time is too short here, & may we learn to forgive & to love eachother, before our time here is gone.

— With All My Love - Denver, Colorado
September 24, 2008 at 11:31 p.m.

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.

— mey chao
October 1, 2008 at 10:05 a.m.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. We also lost our son Christopher and know the sorrow you are feeling. May you find peace in the wonderful memories of him.

— Donna & Roy Aiken
October 4, 2008 at 2:05 p.m.

MANUEL I DON'T KNOW HOW TO START ITS SATURDAY NIGHT WE WOULD BE GETTING READY TO PLAY POKER BUT INSTEAD I'M WRITING TO YOU I KNOW YOU WILL READ IT. I WISH CARLOS WOULD JUST WAKE ME UP AND SAY I WAS HAVING A BAD DREAM NOTHING SEEMS THE SAME.THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT SEEMS SO CLEAR IN MY HEAD DRIVING TO CHATSWORTH WAS SUCH A LONG DRIVE THAT NIGHT US JUST WAITING.WHEN YOUR MOM GOT THE BAD NEWS I STILL THOUGHT IT WAS A MISTAKE THE DRIVE HOME AND A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER I KEPT CALLING YOUR PHONE WISHING BY SOME MIRACLE YOU WOULD ANSWER BUT IT DIDN'T HAPPEN.WE JUST HAVE SOME GREAT MEMORIES POKER NIGHTS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME HOW ABOUT TAPPING MY BEER AND IT SPRAYING ALL OVER MY FACE AND THEN A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER YOU STILL TRIED IT ON ME.KNOW MORE LATE NIGHT SNACKS[MACRONNI AND CHEESE BACON SPINICH] IT WAS SO GREAT THAT NIGHT I AM SO GLAD WE TALKED THAT NIGHT WE SHARED SO MANY THINGS CARLOS OF COURSE JUST SAT THERE LISTENING NOT KNOWING HALF THE PEOPLE WE WERE TALKING OF BECAUSE THATS A SANTA PAULA THING.THE ONE THING THAT KEEPS GOING THRU MY HEAD IS THE FRIDAY BEFORE. WHEN YOU WERE MOVING OUT AND YOU GAVE ME ONE OF YOUR TIGHT HUGS AND YOU SAID THANKS FOR HAVING ME HERE AND I SAID YOUR ALWAYS WELCOME HERE AND YOU TOLD ME NO THIS WILL BE THE LAST TIME I WILL NEED TO MOVE IN.YOU MUST HAVE KNOWN MORE.WE ARE SO GLAD THAT YOU DIDN'T TURN THOSE DOOR KNOBS RIGHT OR PICK UP YOUR FEET WHEN YOU WALKED BECAUSE THAT ONLY GAVE US MORE TIME WITH YOU.SORRY BUT I TOOK ALL THE SHOTS FOR YOU ON YOUR BIRTHDAY CARLOS DOESN'T HAVE KNOW ONE TO DO THE BEER BONG WITH EVERYONE IS SCARED SINCE YOU AND MY MOM ONLY DRINK 2 BEERS YOU CAN SHOW HER THE BEER BONG [SHE WON'T NEED IT ANYWAYS SHES FASTER THAN THAT].WELL MANUEL WE HAVE SO MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF YOU. SABRINA CALLED YOU TO COME AND FIX OUR PRINTER YOU NEVER MADE IT BUT SUDDENLY THE OTHER NIGHT IT STARTED WORKING LOOKS LIKE YOU DID KEEP YOUR WORD.THANKS FOR BEING THE SON I WILL NEVER HAVE AND THE BROTHER TO MY GIRLS THEY ALL LOVED YOU SO MUCH TILL WE MEET AGAIN [TU CARA] YOU CAN REST IN PEACE I WILL ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOUR MOM IS TAKEN CARE OF CARLOS,DEDE,ANDYBOBANDY,
NOON,SABRINAWINA,& KITTY

— AUNT DEDE
October 4, 2008 at 9:23 p.m.

It's taken me a very long time to be able to write to everyone and reread all the wonderful emails and wishes to our family. Everyone has been so wonderful in capturing the essence of my brother. He was such a special spirit and everyone that he came in contact with now realizes this amazing individual. I wish that I can put into words the enormous loss I feel and the constant pain and dread that I feel each morning hoping that this has not really happened. Having my brother torn away from me is something that I will never be able to comprehend. I try everyday to only focus on the good times, and when I do, I can't help but smiling. On the other days when I'm not as lucky, all I do is re-live every moment leading up to the horrible news. I will forever cherish the connection we had, not just of brother & sister but as a best friends. You gave the best hugs and unconditional love & support. I will forever miss you.....

— Melissa Grisales
March 10, 2009 at 8:43 p.m.

Manuel,

You and your family are in my thoughts today.

Rest in peace dear friend.

— Hortencia Casarez
September 12, 2009 at 8:26 a.m.

Its been one year today that you left......you're not forgotten bro!!

— Candelario
September 12, 2009 at 7:15 p.m.

I remembered Manuel very well. I grew up In Santa Paula. Once in a while I check online to check up on things. I was shocked and disbelieved that him of all people is gone. I heard the news when it happened and I knew it was somebody from SP. Never in my mind did I think it was somebody I grew up with. My prayers will always be with the family
Bless, Gabriela Barragan (Samson)

— Gabie Barragan
January 4, 2010 at 9:13 p.m.

It was only a rumor to my ears. It was never verified in my circle of friends until today. Sadly, I'm a bit too late to offer proper condolences to Manuel's family, friends and loved ones.

Though we were only casual acquaintances during high school, I enjoyed working with you for that brief time for the SPESD. We shared some laughs while cleaning the schools during the summer.

It deeply saddens me to hear of your passing.
May your memory live on forever and may your family have peace and blessings beyond measure.

Respectfully,

M

— M
November 23, 2010 at 1:56 p.m.

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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.

Chatsworth Metrolink Crash is the Los Angeles Times' database of fatalities from the Sept. 12, 2008, train collision.
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25 dead

135 injured

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