Profiles of train crash victims

Profiles of train crash victims

Michael Hammersley, 45, Simi Valley
The mail clerk enjoyed time with nieces.

Dean Brower, 51, Ventura
The family man welcomed a disabled foster child into his home.

Jacob Hefter, 18, Palmdale
The Cal State Long Beach freshman was en route to see his girlfriend in Simi Valley. Teachers remember the 2008 valedictorian as an outstanding student.

Yi Chao, 71, Simi Valley
Chao was returning from a doctor’s appointment in L.A. His grandson, 5, was the Cambodia native’s joy. The boy “wakes every morning and goes into his room,” Chao’s son said.

Ronald G. Grace, 55, Simi Valley
The head counselor at Theodore Roosevelt Middle School in Glendale is remembered by colleagues, students and family as ‘an incredibly happy person’ who lifted everyone’s spirits.

Doyle Souser, 56, Camarillo
The gourmet cook, who usually rode Metrolink 113, caught the 111 train early to make dinner for his family.

Walter A. Fuller, 54, Simi Valley
Air traffic manager at Bob Hope Airport was passionate about his career and aviation in general. He was a private pilot and flew a rented plane at least once a month.

Alan Buckley, 59, Simi Valley
Burbank mechanic ‘hated to drive and he loved trains,’ his wife said. He was riding in the first car of Metrolink train 111 and died at the scene.

Manuel Macias, 31, Santa Paula
Yoga instructor is remembered for his positive nature and for being ‘a really giving person.’

Howard Pompel, 69, Moorpark
He left his job at the Los Angeles City Employees Club an hour early Friday and was killed aboard Metrolink train 111.

Paul Long, 54, Moorpark
The Metrolink crash victim is recalled as a fun-loving father and devoted teacher who lived for his family, his church and his school.

Donna Lynn Remata, 49, Simi Valley
One of the first people pulled from the Metrolink train wreckage, the mother of two was the ‘backbone’ of her family.

Spree DeSha, 35, Simi Valley
Colleagues and department officials describe Officer DeSha as a solid, serious cop.

Maria Elena Villalobos, 18, Moorpark
She hoped to be a fashion designer and traveled by train twice a week to the Fashion Institute in L.A. Her aunt remembered Maria as “always laughing, smiling. She had such big plans.”

Database of fatalities »