Sometimes a mistake is a mistake. But we don't know that the text messaging led to the crash. I say give him the benefit of the doubt till all the evidence is in. If it's found he was responsible by those who have all the evidence, it will be a sad lesson and if he was as kind as everyone says we must believe had he lived he would be devistated despite breaking the rules. How does one who knew the overwhelming power of trains let their guard down at crucial moments? Were there other instances where texting happened and he got away with it? This has all been very devistating to me as well, though I never lost anyone. Robert your friends must hold on to the hope that you were not entirely responsible and if it does come out that you were then we must all face hard truth and remember the professionalism and fun. If there are other factors he will be forgiven in an instant. Such loss and devistation felt by all of us. My prayers are with you Sanchez family, I should have met him though it was not to be. Step back, hold back judgment and lets just wait. It may be the hardest year ever. Hope sustains. Peace comforts. Every time I hear a train whistle it's like a fresh stab of pain, such a comforting and upsetting sound. All our love is with you Sanchez family.

I found out just this morning from a friend that Mr. Grace was one of the victims of the Metrolink train crash. Roosevelt Middle School has lost a great man, a great counselor, and a great friend. I still remember him with his ever-present walkie-talkie and that was over 10 years ago. R.I.P Mr. Grace. Thank you for your guidance. You will be missed.

Eulogy at his funeral -
My friend
As far back as I am able to remember you have been a big part of my life. From when we met in 4th grade spending our time sitting on the floor in class drawing pictures day after day during 'free time' we became instant friends. Since 'Mom' Aiken called to tell me that you had past, my head has been swimming with all the memories that we have shared. There is no single person that I was so close to for so long. I have so many childhood memories with you and your family. You would bring me along to a lot of the 'family time' events, the Holidays, the January birthdays, the July 4th 's at Uncle Doug's or whatever was going on, you and ALL your family would always make me feel as if I was another one of the 'gang'. When you were young you were the jokester, the quick wit, the ever wisecracker, which so often landed you into trouble. But, later in life you used those traits to cheer people up, make people comfortable and bring levity to tough situations. In high school it was the 'FAB 5'. You, Chris Pratt, Rich, Bill and myself, we went through a lot together, experienced all of life's trials and emotions and we all just wanted to find our place in the world. Today I speak for the 4 of us that we will all miss you, but never forget you.
After high school how you convinced me to move to California I will never know. But we jam packed that 5x8 trailer and off we went. And for the next 5 years I felt like we were an old married couple, never really fighting and doing everything together except when you were with Sandy. And when you moved back to Gasport I felt like we got a divorce, and I missed my friend. I was happy for you knowing you were around family and old friends.
We kept in touch when we could, and often I would find myself thinking of you. As time went by you called to tell me that you had met Sharon and you told me about the girls I could hear the excitement in your voice. When you came out to Vegas and Elizabeth and I got a chance to meet Sharon, Katie and Sam it was easy to see where this was headed. To see how happy you were and that sparkle in your eyes when you were talking about the girls brought peace to my heart knowing you had finally found your way.

Even now 3 weeks later it just seems so hard to put on paper how much I will miss Chris and let people know what he was about. The way I feel is that no matter what I say it won't be enough to do him justice. Describing Chris he liked things simple but detailed and good. This is what I mean:
-Pizza- pepperoni and cheese only (I don't want any of that other crap on there, why mess with perfection). Simple, but good.
-Coffee black, fresh. Simple, but good.
-Chicken wings (from Buffalo of course) Simple, but good.
-Meat (it better be barbecued- and just right). Simple, but good.
-Family and friends, he wanted to keep good people close, talk about things of substance and 'Da Bills', sports and fun. Simple but good.
The Chris that I remember, I think with pretty much everything, he was like that.
And how was the food good, we would wait and watch him to see the slap to the belly with his flat hand and an extended ahhhhhhhh that sounded like it came from the bottom of his stomach and you knew it was good.

I want to tell the family of Doyle that they were very blessed to have Doyle in their lives,and I know that you know that, as I did all the time that we grew up at Lone Star. The best times that we had together were at Burdett and on the school bus. I have not one moment of doubt that he is walking and talking with His Lord Jesus Christ at this very moment. The last time I saw him we talked the whole time about our love for the Lord and how much we loved Him. My heart was broken the day of I heard of his death for his family, for those of us who had the privilege of knowing him, but not for Doyle because I know that to be absent from this earth is to be present with the Lord if you love Him and that given your life to Him, as Doyle did. My husband and I will be praying for you daily and I pray that God will wrap His arms around you and hold you and strengthen you all. Doyle was my friend and I count it a privilege to have known him and I know that I will see him again one sweet day. And as the sweet old song says Doyle's faith has become sight.

He was a great man, always there whenever I had a question or concern when I was a student at Roosevelt Middle School.

I worked with Buck for 23 years in the Public Works Equipment Division at the City of Burbank. He is one of the good guys. We all miss him very much. Things just aren't the same without him. I know he's riding the train and doing his crossword puzzles up in heaven.

See ya Buddy.

I am a regular rider of Metrolink 111. Jacob (I never got his name until now) was sitting across from me when we left Union Station. I got off the train in Burbank, a few stops before, so I was not involved in the crash.
He seemed like a really nice kid. He borrowed a phone from my friend I was sitting with to text his girlfriend in Moorpark, saying he was on his way. He had asked me first but my phone wasn't charged.
My train buddies all remembered this nice kid sitting next to us that day and had hoped and prayed he would be safe. One recalls saying to him as she got off in Chatsworth "Better stay awake. You'll be home soon."
I am sad to hear that he did not make it. I pray his family is comforted during this difficult time.
Matt - rear of first car, Metrolink 111.

I am sooo heartbroken...There are no words to say to make any of this better or to make any of the pain go away (I wish that there was). Al & Angela keep your heads held high, for you both have done such a great job raising your wonderful son (3 of them for that matter). From the very first time Stephanie brought Jacob home we loved him, we were so happy that they had found each other...they just seemed to click from the get go & were always so happy when they were together. Even though they were only 16 years old when they fell in love, it was sooo real & we all knew it. I knew a long time ago that the Hefter family was going to be a part of our family forever (and thats not going to change), because Jacob & Stephanie had their plans already laid out for THEIR FUTURE. They are so LUCKY to have had that deep love that they had for each other & I'm so gald that I was able to have seen it everytime I saw them together.Jared & Jordan, your little brother looked up to both of you...find comfort in knowing you were loved & respected by him & that you both did a great job being a big brother. I so wish that I could turn back time & change everything, but we all know that no one can do that. GOD has plans & we all have to find comfort in knowing that one day we will all be together again & then we will find out HIS plan...So Al, Angela, Jared & Jordan I send you all a BIG hug & lots of love & please know that the Gutierrez family is ALWAYS here for you, and to my beautiful loving daughter Stephanie know how much your family loves you & supports you and that if there was any way we could change any of this & mend your broken heart we would.Jacob is with all of you always & he always will be. We all miss him so very much...All my love to the Hefter family. Stephanie, mom is ALWAYS, ALWAYS here for you, I love you so much baby....

I was a student at Roosevelt from 1996-1998. I just recently found out from a friend that Mr. Grace had passed away from this tragedy. My heart goes out to the Grace Family. Mr. Grace definitely made a difference to a lot of kids at Roosevelt. I remember it was him that got me into the AVID program before even entering Roosevelt. He has really made a difference to a lot of kids life.