Chris and I go way back. We both grew up in a little town called Gasport, NY. We spent many days fishing and riding our bikes all over looking for our next big catch. He was a Boy Scout, Golfer, and he loved his Buffalo Bill's. He was a great friend and great fisherman. He would always remind me of that fact when he caught more fish than I did. We continued to be friends throughout high school. You could always find myself, Doug, Chris A, Chris P, Rich W, hanging out together.

After High School we all went our separate ways, but continued to keep in touch. Chris stood up in my wedding with my other high school friends. He will be greatly missed! I know he is watching down on me with a great big smile on his face.

Last night, myself and my two boys went outside to catch some night crawlers. Chris was the one that showed me how to do this when we were kids. He would have been laughing because my seven year old caught more that I did! God Bless your wife your family! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I love you brother!

Love,
Bill Bruning and family

I saw your mother on the news late Friday night and was just heartbroken when I heard her say that she still had not heard from Maria... it stayed with me the whole night and the following day. I ran home from work on Saturday praying to see if I could hear that she would be ok...but in looking at this I now know that she was not. Im deeply saddened and just want you to know that your family is in our prayers. May he give you the strength to get throught this difficult time.

With much love.....Cindy.... a grieving stranger

I am a 49 year old mother of four daughters, a teacher, and a student learning about English Language Learners. I ride the light rail train here and see all the different people riding the train. Ever since I heard about this trajedy I have not been able to put it out of my mind and I pray for the victims and their families. I went to the LA Times website and found the prayers and thoughts for Maria. Although I do not know her or her family, they will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God help the families and friends of these dear people who have been lost.

Chris has a special place in my heart. I will miss him so very very much. He was always such a special person who always had an encouraging word and positive attitude. He had married his wife less than a year ago, his best friend and love of his life and now had two step daughters he loved with all his heart. He had a family he loved so very much. It was so evident seeing them all together, the true spirit of what a family with love is all about. We will all miss him so much. Chris, we love you and will miss you deeply.

Walt came into our life through baseball. We spent many hours cheering for our boys at their games. We fondly remember great times that we shared through all our travels with the Sliders. Walt always had his pda available to keep the stats for our team. As Jenny reminded us today, Walt climbed over a guard rail at Zion National Park to retrieve a roll of film of ours that had fallen. He was a quiet daredevil.

His strong belief in God, his love for his family and friends will be remembered forever. Our prayers for the family.

We feel honored to have known such an honest, caring person. May you rest in peace, Walt.

Love The Thiel Family

all I COuld think abOut sat WAs the mother Of maria r.i.p And her sister Still Looking for Her i so Hope and pRayed for the best im SO orry to hear about your lost she would have been a great fashion designer im sure ! my prayers go to the family god bless !

My prayers are with your sister and your family. I watched your sister on TV and I prayed for your safe return. I also now pray for your family as they struggle with this senseless tragedy. You were a shining star in their lives and now will be one in their hearts. I have children your age and tonight I will love each one of them more for the fact that someone that I never knew touched me so much. My prayers and my love, God bless you all.

I saw you on the news Friday night and immediately felt your pain and anguish in waiting for news of Maria. I was in tears with you as I tried to put myself in your place. As the mother of two daughters, I can't imagine what you are going through now. Although I never met Maria, I can see her and feel her energy by the description you provided on the news. I pray that you and your family gain the strength to endure this unimaginable loss. And I know that Maria was very blessed to have you as her mother.

Spree was an impressive officer whose dedication to excellence was apparent in everything she did. Her compassion knew no bounds as well as evidenced by last year's cancer fundraiser known as "St. Baldrick's." This is an annual fundraiser organized by the Fire Department where money is raised by officers and firefighters by having their heads shaved (to show support for cancer victims who often lose their hair). Spree participated in St. Baldrick's and had her head shaved. I will always remember her walking around the station, head shaved going about her duties, and I admired the depth of her compassion and dedication.

God be with you and your family Spree - It was my honor to know you and I will miss you here on earth. But I imagine that St. Michael was short of field training officers, and your services were needed in Heaven.

I didn't know Atul very well, but the reason I did know him was because he was just so friendly that he went out of his way to smile or wave. What I would give to have known him better. His friends love him because of what a great guy he was, and let me tell you, this is the world's loss, becauase I have no doubt that Atul was going to do amazing things with his life. Rest in peace, Atul. Your smile is imprinted on our hearts.