We had the honor of knowing Paul for 8 years at Lifespring Community Church in Moorpark, where he was the associate pastor & very involved in the children's program. . Paul was a gentle, kind, humble and honorable man. His life lessons were wonderful to listen to. Im so glad we took the time (a few weeks ago) to tell him how much we enjoyed listening to his life lessons. He just smiled. He made our children's program what it is today. He cared deeply about each & every child. This past Sunday through tears, our Lifespring children remembered "Pastor Paul" in the most innocent way; "I remember he always wore flip-flops", "He always carried a big backpack" "He was alwqays smiling" "He was always nice to us" "He made Louie's Lagoon fun". This is a man that we will always remember.

— Pat, Mario & Chris Noe
about Paul Long
September 15, 2008 at 7:28 p.m.

Pete was the father of my young daughter's good friend. They met the first day of kindergarten and have gone thru elementary school together. Pete's wife and I spent time on school projects and ferrying the girls to and from play dates as we became friends. It was inevitable that I would also get to know Pete. Their's was the first home my daughter felt comfortable spending the night. There were special homemade treats and fabulous (my daughter's words) chocolate chip pancake breakfasts all made lovingly by Pete. I was lucky to get the "secret" ingredient so that I now can make those pancakes almost as well. I was fortunate to spend some wonderful times with Pete and his family who's annual Halloween get together allowed us "grown-ups" to have some fun too. Pete will be dearly missed by all who knew him and we will continue to honor his family with friendship, love, and support for years to come.

— Cathi
September 15, 2008 at 7:23 p.m.

I graduated from Oaks Christian last year so I never had the opportunity of having Mr. Long as a teacher. My younger brother did, however, and all I remember hearing were stories of his cleverness and sense of humor. I had many chance meetings with Mr. Long in the hall in which we would share a word or two. And there were times when he would pass me in the hall, see me sitting there and just strike up a conversation about the book I was reading. He was an amazing man, and my only regret is not knowing him better. From what I saw of him Mr. Long was an inspiration to his fellow faculty, to his students, and to every other person he came in contact with. The love of God shown right through his eyes-he lived with a certain peace of mind in knowing he had God on his side and he was leading others to be in that place. Devin and Mrs. Long, my heart goes out to you at this time. Your strength at this time is inspiring, your father/husband was an amazing man and we will all miss him. We love you so much and you are in our prayers. God Bless the both of you, stay strong and know that you are loved.

— Shaleene McReynolds
about Paul Long
September 15, 2008 at 7:23 p.m.

Larry..Tiffany..Larry Jr, I am so sorry for your lost. Larry, I remember meeting her here in Vegas. What a wonderful lady. I can't believe she is gone. Please except my Condolence. My prayers are with you and your family. Take care and God Bless.
Love you all, Chan

— Chan Bacio, Pakala, Kauai
September 15, 2008 at 7:23 p.m.

Mr. Grace was in charge of the student counseling (conflict managers) program at RMS and I remember him training us to help solve other students problems. He would always call me in to help train the new seventh graders in conflict managing. I also remember being at a basketball game and being a cheerleader, I yelled out "Go Mr. Grace!" because he was the referee and he turned to me and gave me the nicest smile. He was certainly the kindest person at Roosevelt Middle School. I still remember a picture of a baby covered in spagehti that hung in his office. I will never forget him.

— Kimberly
September 15, 2008 at 7:22 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.

Recently I Retired from the City of Los Angeles,LAX Police Department. My wife and I spoke to Howatd on many occassions regarding our Insurance Benefits. We spoke to him so often that we felt like he became our friend. I worked for the city of Los Angeles over forty years. Howard was the most kind, concerned and helpful city employee I have ever come in contact with. This year I told him I had seen his picture in the "City Alive" paper. He laughed. We sent him a X-mas card in 2007. Although we never met in person, my wife and I feel like we have lost a Friend. We will miss him. May God Bless his Family.

— Jesse & LV Oliver
September 15, 2008 at 7:22 p.m.

wow the news of mr grace pasing away was very hurtful having the honor to help him around as one of his ta was wonderful i will always remeber hgim he was a wonderful man and was so loyal ill miss you mr grace.....

— emma moreno
September 15, 2008 at 7:19 p.m.

Mr. Grace was one of those teachers you'll always remember; caring, patient, and overall just a really nice person. RIP =[

— A Panameno
September 15, 2008 at 7:16 p.m.

Mr. Grace was the awesomest councler ever!@#@!#@ he wasnt even our counselor, but damn he had respect......<3 we miss him and his lovely smile. love u mr. grace and all da blessing for his family

— Vazgen and Ani S.
September 15, 2008 at 7:14 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.