mr.grace was the best always smiling and always happy his death has really affected rhs staff and students anyway god bless the grace familiy.

— Rone safarian
September 16, 2008 at 11:12 p.m.

I just found out a few hours ago that my friend, Atul, was one of the victims in the train accident that I encountered as I made my way towards the 118 from Chatsworth. I was completely anaware that my friend was involved. I have a picture of us together on graduation day here next to me. There are so many memories of him flooding back now; they overwhelm me to tears. We shared a lot of the same friends seeing as how we shared the same Music class & were aquainted with the same social network. I miss him so much. My heart won't believe that he's gone, because it's where he lives now. In my heart & in my memories. I am truely greiving his loss & i'm sure many of our shared friends are too. Atul, I will keep your family in my prayers. I miss you so much...

— Stephanie Benavente
about Atul Vyas
September 16, 2008 at 11:05 p.m.

Our hearts grieve for you, Jenny, Kelly, Kristi & Casey. What a tragedy - words cannot express! Your Walt will surely be missed! It's obvious that, even in his quiet and low key demeanor, he had a dynamic impact on everyone he encountered.

May the loving arms of our Heavenly Father hold you ever so tightly in His peace and security. May the reassurance of the love of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ keep you steadfast, and for His glory bring others hope in the life eternal that Walt is now joyfully sharing in His presence. May the Holy Spirit comfort you as only He is able. And, may the love and prayers of your family and friends help in some small way to ease the pain.

— Lynda & Robert Martel and family
September 16, 2008 at 11:05 p.m.

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.

— Uncle Chuck Goff, San Diego
September 16, 2008 at 11:04 p.m.

I was very sad to hear the news today. It had been quite a while since I had talked with Chris, but a ton of memories came rushing back to me as I read these comments. I will forever remember Chris as a truly nice guy with a positive vibe and a comical spirit. I will miss him. I wish the very best for his family in this difficult time.

— R. Everly (Temecula CA)
September 16, 2008 at 10:50 p.m.

My condolences to his family and friends, he will be missed.

— Leo Minasyan
September 16, 2008 at 10:49 p.m.

Liz, Matt, Chris -
I've been your neighbor for a long time & treasure my visits with Roger when he would walk by, or I would stop at his/your house. He would always ask how my kids were, & want to know more than me saying "their fine". Also, he'd tell me the latest critisism about Matt or Chris. THEN, he'd shift gears real fast, put on that great smile of his, puff up his chest & tell me about all their accomplishments & how proud he was of his 2 boys/men. This is not a made up memory - if you knew Roger for just a few minutes, you knew what he said was from the depths of his heart. Then we'd talk about our grandkids. Although he only had "Matti", you would have thought she was the only granddaughter in the world! When he & gramma Liz brought her by in her stroller for the past year or more, Roger would slow down at my driveway & look in my garage to see if I was there & call me out to "show her off". Could a granpa love his granddaugher any more? I will miss Roger's love, smile & and his visit's for a LONG time to come. Liz, Matt & Chris, I hope to remain your loving neighbor for a long time, you have truely been blessed to have had such a special gift from God!!

— mike kelly
September 16, 2008 at 10:49 p.m.

I met Dennis only this year at work, and worked with him only briefly, but I quickly came to know him as a thoughtful and gentle man.

Godspeed, Dennis

— Scott Halloran
September 16, 2008 at 10:45 p.m.

I never met Jacob, but i'm sure he was a great person. All I have to say is, Jacob died too yong! He never had the opportunity to start his own family, nor to do other great things in life. I'm sure he will be missed by his family and his friends. Jacob right now is resting in peace and is waiting to be resurrected. We shall all see him again one day, and may the Hefter family be blessed in these terrible moments.

— Manuel Marin- Palmdale
September 16, 2008 at 10:40 p.m.

When my mother called me about what happened I was on my break at work. All i could do was sit and cry. I didn't know Jacob, but knew of him. I haven't seen Stephanie in years, and i really wanted to see her and meet Jacob. Stephanie I'm so sorry for this. I know we haven't seen each other in such a long time, but I want you to know i love you and if you need anything at all I'm just a call away. There hasn't been a day where i haven't thought of you, and what you must be going through. I know no words that will take the pain away. i can only offer my shoulder, and my prayers. i love you Steph.

— Reanna Gutierrez, Stephanie's cousin
September 16, 2008 at 10:37 p.m.


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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Latest Numbers

25 dead

135 injured

About the Data Desk

This page was created by the Data Desk, a team of reporters and Web developers at The Times.