The service today was beautiful. Jordan and Jared did a wonderful job and I know you must be proud of them. It has been made very clear how many lives your entire family have touched. Jacob was loved and I know he knew it. We cannot imagine your heartbreak and since of loss. May God guide you during these most unimaginable times. My most favorite photo is a group photo of our two familys camping at Buena Vista. Jacob about age 3 and Katie about age 5 both sitting and smiling on Alan's lap. A treasure I will keep always. Hugs, Kisses and lots of love from our family to yours.

— McGaughey Family
September 19, 2008 at 4:44 p.m.

Our local Bakersfield paper printed a photograph of her life partner, Officer Gerritsen touching Officer DeSha's casket. I never knew either of them, but the photograph brought tears to my eyes. My own partner and I were legally married in Bakersfield on June 17, but today, September 19, the day I saw this photograph, is the tenth anniversary of our spiritual marriage. Seeing this picture broke my heart but I'm glad her partner was recognized as her life partner. I was reminded today of how lucky I am, to have my wife, to be alive. Officer Gerritsen and all the rest of Officer DeSha's family, friends and furry ones, please know that you are in my family's thoughts and prayers.

— Karen Briefer-Gose, Bakersfield CA
September 19, 2008 at 4:44 p.m.

I has been a really sad tragedy. My heart goes out to all the families of the victims. My prayers are with you. God Bless all the families.

— Cindy
September 19, 2008 at 4:15 p.m.

I KNEW HIM SO WELL AND HE WAS LIKE MY SECOND DAD AND WAS ALWAYS THERE FOR ME AND FOR MY SISTER AND WAS CLOSE TO MY FAMILY. I GREW UP WITH CLIFF AND SO VERY SADDENED WITH HIS PASSING I WILL TRULY MISS HIM.HE WAS A GREAT MAN AND WAS ALWAYS IN MY LIFE IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AT BERYLWOOD AND AT HILLSIDE JR HIGH.HE IS WITH THE LORD AND HE IS TRULY AN ANGEL AND I KNOW HE IS LOOKING DOWN ON ME.MAY YOU REST IN PEACE AND I LOVE YOU SO MUCH.

— vicki savage
September 19, 2008 at 4:14 p.m.

God took His Angel home.

— Theresa
September 19, 2008 at 3:59 p.m.

Dear pretty angel,
I didn't know you before, but I felt and saw you there last night when I visited your family. Kari, you look exactly like your mother. Your father talked a lot about you, how kind, cheerful, sweet and lovely you are. Thank you for the love you gave your family and H.o.c.

May God be with your family

— Ruby Chou
September 19, 2008 at 3:56 p.m.

My deepest condolences to the friends and family of Robert. I did not know him personally, but the pictures of him happily smiling with his dogs make me smile. Rest in peace, Robert.

— Holly
September 19, 2008 at 3:49 p.m.

The Spacey's have been great friends and neigbors for many years. Roger was the greatest guy and will be missed dearly. He loved his family Liz, Matt, and Chris. I would see him at least 3 times a week walking with the dogs. I would like to express my condolenses for the family.

— Dave Just
September 19, 2008 at 3:42 p.m.

My deepest and heartfelt condolences go out to the Chao Family. Prayers are with you all. From your comments, Yi was loved deeply and will be greatly missed.

— Holly
about Yi Chao
September 19, 2008 at 3:38 p.m.

I worked with Howard several years ago at Blue Cross and I was shocked to see his name on the list of those in the crash. Howard was always very kind and caring to me and a real friend. Even after we both left Blue Cross I would sometimes run into him at a store in Simi Valley or somewhere and we would chat about how things were going. He was always friendly, cheerful and made everyone feel accepted. He was a hard worker and a true family man. My prayers go out to his entire family.

— Susan Waitkuweit
September 19, 2008 at 3:24 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.