I don't know you but my Daddy did. I'm very sorry for what happened and I wish I could turn back time to have the train be pulled over. I know your family is in God's hands, and I pray for them. I'm very sorry....

— Audrey Schottelkorb
September 15, 2008 at 8:41 p.m.

Mr. Long was my teacher from 8th-12th grade. He taught me English, Bible, German and so much more. I remember his AP English class and our 11th grade Bible class the most. I remember thinking "This man is so extremely intelligent and he is chosing to teach at Grace Brethren." He made me love English and I looked forward to our next class. Our 11th grade Bible class was incredible! He taught me how to worship; how to worship like no one else was around, like it was just me and Lord. He united our class in an amazing way and took us to a whole other level spiritually! He loved his wife and son dearly and he made sure that everyone knew it! He loved the Lord dearly and it was obvious in all he ever did! He was the best teacher I ever had and i can't believe that he is gone. My heart aches for Karen and Devin and the rest of his family! I can't even begin to imagine the pain and extreme loss that they are feeling right now. There is one thing I do know for sure though. That is that on Saturday afternoon he heard the words I so long to hear, "Well done my good and faithful servant!"
My prayers are with you all during this difficult time. You should be so proud, so very proud to be the wife and son of such an amazing man! I look forward to the time when we can all rejoice together in paradise with our Lord and Savior, the author and perfector of our faith!

— Sarah Ponce(Buckley)
about Paul Long
September 15, 2008 at 8:34 p.m.

Walter was a nice man, cheerful and very easy to talk to. Everybody always enjoyed seeing him coming and he and his smile will be sorely missed.

— Rita Lemus
September 15, 2008 at 8:32 p.m.

I am so deeply saddened by this loss. Mr. Long was my English teacher at West Simi Christian School in 86. I went into college knowing more about English literature than anyone in my class. We spent a lot of time teasing him about his '70's style fat ties...it was the '80's, so you know WE were sharp dressers.I remember how excited he was about the first episode of Star Trek, the Next Generation. I took voice lessons with Mrs. Long. Mr., Mrs.Long and baby Devon came to my wedding reception. (The marriage didn't last...)

Mr. Long probably didn't know he was one of THOSE teachers..the teacher that has an impact on your entire life. I so deeply regret that I did not keep in touch with the Longs.

— Colleen (Elersich) Keehan
about Paul Long
September 15, 2008 at 8:29 p.m.

You shall be missed and your family is in our prayers.

— Robert Schottelkorb-Rocketdyne
September 15, 2008 at 8:28 p.m.

Oh what a beautiful being you are and will be so missed. You were such a wonderful part of my life. The years spent together with your loving character and your honesty will always stay in my heart. I am so happy that you were able to live your dream. I am so proud of you! Thank you for coming into my life. I will always love you Mel

— Melody McDonald
September 15, 2008 at 8:28 p.m.

My math teacher is Mr. Fuller's daughter. On the announcements today, the speaker mentioned the accident. We had a substitute, but she said she would be back as soon as possible. I wanted to just say that I hope she would be strong with this tragedy. I'll be praying for your family.
Katharine & Family

— Katharine
September 15, 2008 at 8:25 p.m.

I am so sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to the Hefter family. Mrs Hefter means the world to me and she is like my mom I LOVE YOU MRS. HEFTER. We will miss you Jacob and there will always be a place in my heart for the Hefter Family

— Norma
September 15, 2008 at 8:24 p.m.

To the Sanchez Family - I met your Rob way back on my first train ride with Louie in 2003 - he had a warm smile, wonderful personality, a twinkle in his eye - always a wave from his window - whether 'pulling or pushing' the train. Was an ongoing joke for the Friday ride - 'Hey Patti - what the heck you doing on the late train' - Hey Rob - just you move your butt to the front and get us goin'. Also - Hey Rob - we took a vote - let's make it a nonstop to Moorpark - he never failed to require a recount - we always found everyone wanted their own stop..... He was the best of the daily ride. Always taking us safe and sound into Moorpark. Sanchez Family - I'm so sorry for your troubles. Will always remember him with a smile and a wave from that open window. He was a good and gracious man - always a professional with his riders best interest in mind. I've missed him since I knew he'd left us.

— Patti Austin-Murray
September 15, 2008 at 8:23 p.m.

I got a chance to work with Spreee while assigned as a field supervisor in North Hollywood Area. My memory of Spree was meeting her at a traffic stop at 3:00 am and seeing first hand her display of professionalism, dedication, and her sincere love for the job. Spree was was one of a kind, and she will surely be missed by all of us in the LAPD family. May God bless your family and friends...heaven has gained another hero.

— Detective P. Arrue LAPD
September 15, 2008 at 8:20 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.