To the Sanchez Family and to all those people that lost a family member and loved one my condolences and prayers are with you.

And I have a comment and questions that maybe someone from metrolink or that knows about trains can answer:

It is easy to blame a person that is not longer here to defend himself. But there is one thing that angers me is that the media and metrolink executives blame this person without completing a thorough investigation, and I have these questions, why there is only one engineer in the front cars instead of two? What would happen if this engineer gets sick or gets a heart attack while conducting a train? Is this beacuse of budget cuts that they cannot have two people on the same car to have a second set of eyes? What happened to the employees that are in the main control watching the board that they did not see that there were two trains in the same track? What happened to the best technology that these train supposed to have to prevent these kind of accidents? Why metrolink executives do not speak about the above questions? Is it a cover up? I am sure that I am not the only one asking these questions but I woulk like to know why.

— Unknown
September 21, 2008 at 4:18 a.m.

So young, so unfair.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Jacob, a man who loved and was loved by many.
-
When I worked in a hospital I learned that you can take a 1000 poets, scientists and preachers, have them all talk amongst themselves and still none would be able to tell us the secret to the mystery of life.
I guess only God knows that.

— Johnna
September 21, 2008 at 3:27 a.m.

The media should be ashamed of themselves for airing out dirty laundry of Mr.Sanchez's personal life. SHAME ON YOU (MEDIA)!! But to the victims- May you all finally rest in peace. And my deepest condolences to their families.

— Bernie
September 21, 2008 at 2:07 a.m.

I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Rob, as I was a Train Dispatcher for Union Pacific for 33+ years. I dispatched the "Coast" territory from SLO to Moorpark. I also did a "road trip" on the Coast Starlight from L.A. to SLO, and rode in the locomotive with Rob, and rode with him the next day from Santa Barbara to L.A. He was always friendly and cheerful, and very helpful on my familiarization trip. I worked with him countless times - mostly on the Amtrak (not Metro) trains. I offer my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family, co-workers and friends. This should not be a forum for speculation or blame - as that will not bring the victims back. I do agree with the UP Conductor, who posted that Metro should have 2 people in the locomotive cab for SAFETY reasons. I know there are rules in place on the UP that prohibit personal cell phone use while on duty. Rob - it was good to know you - may you and all the victims rest in peace.

— wyogal
September 21, 2008 at 12:10 a.m.

We waited that horrible long night together for just a word from our loved ones...We sat behind you and your wonderful family watching the tv, drinking cold coffee to stay awake, and praying that we would get news...

We did, we marched that long parking lot dreading the news awaiting us in the little room on the corner. We all new it was there, we all ignored it hoping we would never have to see the inside.

My Dad and I where called in first to learn my husband Dean had just been identified dead. We pulled ourselves together, swiped our tear stained faces, sunglasses in place we leaned on each other hoping to make it to the car before falling apart.

There you where...the beautiful mother of Maria standing outside waiting to hear our news, you where the first I clung to in disbelief.

I am so, so sorry for your loss. My father and I prayed that they would find Maria alive. The families who remained vigiliant throughout the night are forever bound by a bond that no one will ever understand and I hope they never have to.

Please know we share your grief and wish to keep in touch with you. As the dust settles we will need to cling to each other again and if there is anything at all we can do for you and your dear family, please do not hesitate to ask.

Most Sincerely, Kim Brower (Dean Brower's Wife)
kim@pulsedrumming.com

— Kim Brower
September 20, 2008 at 11:30 p.m.

Nearly every Thanksgiving for over 20 years, Doyle and Claudia and later Kelsey, Zach and Mackenzie have shared our family Thanksgiving table. Doyle's presence was one of the bright spots on that special holiday--he could always be counted on to connect with each person in a down-to-earth, easy, and non-judgmental way. It was his gift to those around him. His sudden departure from this life was so unexpected, yet it's such a blessing to have known a truly godly man, husband, and father. Claudia, Kelsey, Zach and Mackenzie, you are all in my prayers. May your grief be filled with the hope that comes from knowing the One in whom we believe.

— Phylene W.
September 20, 2008 at 11:08 p.m.

So very sorry for your loss . My thoughts and prayers are
with you and your family. Can't stop thinking of you. I know your husband will be a great friend during this time because he knows what you are going through! Love you guys

— Tracy Singer/ Ordas
September 20, 2008 at 10:33 p.m.

I also remember the day I saw you with your head shaved. I said "Who is this girl"? When I found out the reason you did it , I was touched deeply. Ever since then I had a great appreciation for how humble and special you really were. Just like others I got tired of hearing "MAM" but you always had respect for everyone and that showed in your work and personal life.You never allowed yourself to get lazy , you were and still ARE an example for all of us fellow brother and sisters in blue...we miss you. Rest in peace

— sister-in-blue
September 20, 2008 at 10:17 p.m.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Grace family. Mr.Grace was one of the best and nicest couclors I have ever met.It is just devastating to think that Mr.Grace is no longer with us.We love you Mr.Grace, may you rest in peace.

— Sareen Jaburian
September 20, 2008 at 10:09 p.m.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Grace family. Mr.Grace was one of the best and nicest counclors I have ever met.It is just devastating to think that Mr. Grace is no longer with us. We love you Mr.Grace may you rest in peace

— Sareen Jaburian
September 20, 2008 at 10:01 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.