It's obvious by reading these tributes to Walt that he was a man of consistency - so many mention his faith, his love of family, his respect of people, his joy in life and his smile. I remember him as a kind and gentle boy, growing to be a man, at Pepperdine. But, with all of those mature traits beyond his years. My prayers are with Jenny and their kids and Walt's siblings as they learn to live without seeing that radiant smile everyday.

— LuNell Gilliland
September 18, 2008 at 10:13 p.m.

Pemo... You were my first real friend. When we moved to gasport right next to you, I remember my mom dragging me out to the back to meet the neighbors. Your mom was holding Shaun & you were standing close to your mom, sucking your thumb. I thought youd never stop doing that! Remember playing kick ball with Jeff & he nailed the ball so hard that it hit me in my "then budding" chest? That hurt! You came to my rescue, made sure I was ok, then we finished the game. Remember standing up on the canal bank chucking stones across? I think you were just showing off. And the CARP we caught out of the canal. Ick! Bridge jumping. Not my forte. My dad started emailing me his memories today. I remember them all too well. All of us - like friggin 15 people around one little campfire behind my house. Drinking. Laughing. The gaseous aromas coming out of your ass & everyone fleeing for cover because we were afraid of the gas hitting the fire & making us all explode... your crappy smirks - we always knew when to run because of that smirk of yours! Going drinking in Canada. Mikey throwing up in his own car in the back seat with Big ol' Billy COWERING in the corner! (Glad it wasn't me that had to clean it up.) OMG the FART TAPE! All of you boys - all of my boys - I miss so much of all of that. Yeah - the snowballs dipped in water - ARGH! You, Doug, Bill & me sprawled out in my living room watching movies. Who's next for a back rub? Niagara Falls. I'm suprised we didn't wear a path in the road up there! I loved our private chats too. You always looked out for me as one of my big brothers. And you always knew when I need to talk. You fixed things for me. I never thanked you. So, Thank You. You always laughed the hardest when I popped out with "OH MY GARAGE!". I remember you asking me to be your substitute when you couldn't deliver the newspapers. I HATED DOING THAT! But I did it because it was for you. I think when I was like 7 or 8, I had a small crush on you. That didn't last long. Sorry. "Hey Chris, Who's that girl with you?" ... "That's no girl, that's my sister." I loved it when you said that! I would love to go back & record evry moment so that I always have them with me. There is so much more with you & the boys (Doug, Rich, Bill, Chrip P., Tony White, Rob Berry - everyone) that I remember but I just can't do it. The more I reminisce, the more saddened I become. The tears are heavy, as is my heart. I have always loved you - I always will. There is a greater plan for each of us & I expect that when my time comes, you will be waiting for me to let me know what it is. I also expect that before you tell me, you will first lick my face (dammit) then start with a dirty joke. Yup. That would be you. Just make sure it's not too stinky - I don't want to eat any! (Thumb on the forehead!)
I love you, honey. You will always keep that special spot in my heart that you have always held. My friend. My comrade. My boy. Peace my brother.
Love always, 'Nette

— 'Nette (Lynette Trombley-Wigington) - Loveland, CO
September 18, 2008 at 9:30 p.m.

Dear Maria and family, we have never met, but "Bunky" and I were classmates at Venice High School when it was a six year school. I have not seen him in many years, but to find out he is no longer with you and your family has sadden me so much, and is hard to believe. He was indeed a fun loving young man, and enjoyed all the service he contributed to "our" wonderful six years of Jr./Sr. High.
Please know that my love is with you and your family.

— Sunnie Junget Akana
September 18, 2008 at 9:28 p.m.

I am angry. I hope that one day I can find it within me to forgive Robert Sanchez. He was entrusted with the responsibility of safely transporting people in a complex machine at high speeds; in short these people put their lives in his hands, and he disrespected, and blatantly ignored that trust. He would rather text message than pay attention. This does not fall under the context of 'human error'. Let this be a lesson to us all, to stop text messaging when driving and to place the value of human life above a cell phone.

— Neda
September 18, 2008 at 9:25 p.m.

Dearest Maria's Mother,

My WHOLE HEART goes out to you. I was just at Moorpark High School, they had such wonderful things to say about your daughter. You and your husband raised a beautiful, kind,funny, very talented daughter. She will be designing clothes in heaven. I will be thinking of you and your family.

Maria Elena Villalobos, RIP.

— Toni
September 18, 2008 at 9:20 p.m.

Mike not only delivered our mail in the wee hours of the morning, but he also delivered a friendly hello and a genuine and warm smile. I always wished I could be like that.

— Shawn, div 18
September 18, 2008 at 9:19 p.m.

Dear Magdaleno Family:

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very painful time. Though you do not know me, I was deeply touched when watching Gabby being interviewed on television. I like many others prayed that Aida would be found safe and was saddened to hear she did not make it. Please be strong and continue to rely on the lord as he will help minimize your pain, though nothing will ever make it go away.
The love of the lord is your strength.

— Kathy
September 18, 2008 at 9:16 p.m.

It is very disheartening to read such cruel & unfair comments from you Paul (SHAME ON YOU). Someone who was "close" to Mr. Pompel would never disregard his children in that manner- turmoil in the family or not. They are his children regardless of what you may THINK you "know" about the family. At a time like this, there should be nothing but positive memories posted here. I grew up w/the Pompel's- Cliff being my brother & sisters age & Barrie, we went to school together from Kindergarden through high school. We may not have spoken much in later years, however you were never far from my thoughts. There's a select few of us that grew up in the Berylwood neighborhood AND with very actively involved parents. I always remember seeing your folks on campus, supporting us kids! My thoughts and prayers are with his ENTIRE family in this trying time. Rest in peace Mr. Pompel.

— Ashley Sadowsky
September 18, 2008 at 9:08 p.m.

MR GRACE WAS ONE OF THE BEST COUNSELOR I HAD DURING MY TIME

AT ROOSEVELT MIDDLE SCHOOL. HE HELPED ME CHOOSE THE CAREER

WHAT WAS RIGHT FOR ME.

REST IN PACE

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE GREAT MEMORIES

YOU WILL BE MISSED

— RAY ALAVERDYAN CLASS OF 03
September 18, 2008 at 8:56 p.m.

Ron and Jan were clients of mine when I owned Neighborhood Tree Service. They love thier garden and take great pride in keeping it looking its best. Tonight I ran into Maria
(a good friend of Jan) at the Macaroni Grill who informed me of Ron's passing. I was shocked to hear and am so very sorry for your loss. If there is anything I can do to help out please feel free to contact me.

Scott Nelson
mrgreens24@gmail.com

— Scott Nelson
September 18, 2008 at 8:49 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.