Pedestrian killed in weekend crash identified

My sincere condolences to the Greenwalt family.

Regardless if the perpetrator of this crime is Kelly Keeler or Hector Vidal,
he should be publicly drawn and quartered upon being found guilty.

Does anyone else think that this would than be the last of this sort of incident?

Dean Greenwalt affected me deeply and I will miss him terribly. He was a strong father figure for me, my sister and for other kids in our community growing up. He provided an example of a life focused on responsibility, industry, humor and adventure.

To me, it seemed like Dean always had a bit of magic. His special sense of humor and laugh were infectious and he made people feel safe. He even twinkled when he talked to you. I feel very grateful that he was in my life. I was looking forward to a growing adult friendship in the years ahead. He was a special and lovable man and his community won't forget him.

A friend wrote the following on a different comment list on this newspaper:

Dean "had a strong influential presence in our cherished group of family and friends in Woodland Hills. He will be missed at a very deep level. He was an unknowing father figure to me and a few other fortunate young men in our community. He provided a valuable example of how to live life to the fullest as a man. My respectful condolences go out to all those who may be touched by this pointless loss."

Thank you family member. That was truly touching tribute. He sounds like a wonderful human being who made the world special just being here. I wish there were men like him on this earth. My deepest condolences for your loss.

I regret not having checked in with Dean since we saw each other last Thanksgiving. I was about to send him an e-mail when I got the bad news. Let me recommend to everyone that you not put off telling those you love that you do love them and are thinking of them. A phone call only has to take a few minutes.

Dean and I had been corresponding since 2001 on our Greenwalt family lines. He helped me so much and I will be forever grateful to him. My sincere condolences to his family. Barbara

Bill and I live up the street from where Dean lived. We saw him at least every other day, when he was around and he would hang out with us for hours when we had open houses in the area. The last time I pulled over and talked with Dean was Friday, Sept. 25, in the afternoon for about 40 minutes. I now feel blessed to have been able to spend this time with him. When Dean walked with dogs Bandit and later, Jack from up the street, I would pull my car over and we would talk about the neighborhood. Dean was very casual and sweet. We have owned our home in this quaint and rustic area for 29 years. We who live in what is known as The Girard Tract, feel and actually are, close to nature. We talk about the visits from Deer and Racoon, and other creatures we coexist with. Bill and I are still in shock and want to get together with others whose lives Dean touched. We also feel how precious every day is.

My heart and prayers go out to all of you who were touched by Dean. May it ease your burden to know that three witnesses ran out to protect him from further harm. The paramedics came immediately. We all cared for him the best we could.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It eases the burden of witnessing this horrific accident. We share your loss.

Life is a matter of 'seconds and inches'.

He was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The only one who had any power to change the outcome
is the one called 'Kelly Keeler' or 'Hector Vidal'.

And for his part in this tragedy, he should fry.

Too bad for him. Too bad for Dean Greenwalt.

Thank you, Distraught Witness. It must have been terrible for you, too. We are deeply grateful for your efforts to help Dean, and your kind words.

I was about to turn right onto Ventura from Don Pio when the accident occurred directly in front of my car. My friend was in the passenger seat, & immediately made the call to 911.

It has been a painful week since being the first to run to Dean. If any of Dean's friends or neighbors are willing to meet with me, I no longer live in, but right at the edge of the Girard Tract.

What the driver did is one problem; that no police sirens were sounding is an incomprehensible issue.

I stayed close to Dean for over an hour. No police came for all that time. The firemen took my contact info, but no one called. Dean was moved before police saw what had happened.

My thoughts have been focused all week on Dean.
My heart goes out to all who have loved him.

What! No sirens! It took an hour for an emergency response! I call for the immediate suspension of that Dukes of Hazard officer! The CHP escalated a situation that could have been better solved by going to the driver's house. What if the CHP had hit that man instead? The reason for ticketing drivers is to enforce laws that enhance the safety of everyday practices. This driver was driving 10 miles over the speed limit on a oneway non stop high speed 6 lane roadway. This action which was slightly unsafe is now magnafied 100 fold with the added stress of being chased with cars and people in the way. Fast reckless driving kills. And doing the very thing that the speeder was doing so to punish that speeder for speeding is hypocracy. There has got to be a better way. Is the crime so bad and the possibility of that person escaping so terrible that it is worth the risk of bystanders dying? What if this lead to a school zone at 7:50 am with elementary students in the area? Would you find this acceptabe? Is there ever a point of giving up a pursuit? Perhaps we need to think about what's really important. CHP please take another look at your policy. Protect us first. Punish us second. Remember this man today.

You had to do what the CHP could care less about doing. Citizen you should be recognized by the Mayor. As for the CHP the money being waisted on them should go to more paramedics and local police. The CHP reguarly violate the speed limit passing cars on the right all so they can catch someone. Grow up! They should set the pace of the freeway. Who would pass them? They need to do a quick accident investigation and get the totaled cars off of the freeway. All the flashing lights and them standing out there for hours on end tend to distract drivers and CAUSE even more accidents!
I am furious at this criminal neglegence and direlection of duty and call for an investigation where suspensions and possibly terminations should result. But I think a suspension and additional training for this young Poncharello lead foot should be enough. Let's remember Dean by demanding the CHP break off pursuits in School Zones and shopping malls lest it happen again.

Kate wrote:

I was about to turn right onto Ventura from Don Pio when the accident occurred directly in front of my car. My friend was in the passenger seat, & immediately made the call to 911.
It has been a painful week since being the first to run to Dean. If any of Dean's friends or neighbors are willing to meet with me, I no longer live in, but right at the edge of the Girard Tract.
What the driver did is one problem; that no police sirens were sounding is an incomprehensible issue.
I stayed close to Dean for over an hour. No police came for all that time. The firemen took my contact info, but no one called. Dean was moved before police saw what had happened.
My thoughts have been focused all week on Dean.
My heart goes out to all who have loved him.

My condolences to the Greenwalt family. The loss of a family member is tragic enough without other circumstances to bear. As someone who has endured the loss of much family, I say to cherish the good memories, the joy, and wisdom we received from our loved ones in life. That is what they would want us to do.

I must add, however, that a policy should be in place that anyone fleeing from the law should receive at least ten additional years to a prison sentence. There have been far too many tragedies involving car chases. Our bureaucrats need to seek a deterrent to reduce these injuries and fatalities.

Valley Resident wrote:

My condolences to the Greenwalt family. The loss of a family member is tragic enough without other circumstances to bear. As someone who has endured the loss of much family, I say to cherish the good memories, the joy, and wisdom we received from our loved ones in life. That is what they would want us to do.
I must add, however, that a policy should be in place that anyone fleeing from the law should receive at least ten additional years to a prison sentence. There have been far too many tragedies involving car chases. Our bureaucrats need to seek a deterrent to reduce these injuries and fatalities.

A bullet to the head would be faster, cheaper, and more effective.....

Distraught witness wrote:

My heart and prayers go out to all of you who were touched by Dean. May it ease your burden to know that three witnesses ran out to protect him from further harm. The paramedics came immediately. We all cared for him the best we could.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It eases the burden of witnessing this horrific accident. We share your loss.

I'm a friend and neighbor of Dean and I heard about the kindnesses of the strangers who stopped to comfort Dean in his final moments. Thank you very much for your charity. It is comforting to imagine that Dean died in someone's arms. Also: contact Audrey in the comments above. We are holding memorials for Dean and if you were there, you should meet some of Dean's family and friends and find out how wonderful he was.

Kate wrote:

I was about to turn right onto Ventura from Don Pio when the accident occurred directly in front of my car. My friend was in the passenger seat, & immediately made the call to 911.
It has been a painful week since being the first to run to Dean. If any of Dean's friends or neighbors are willing to meet with me, I no longer live in, but right at the edge of the Girard Tract.
What the driver did is one problem; that no police sirens were sounding is an incomprehensible issue.
I stayed close to Dean for over an hour. No police came for all that time. The firemen took my contact info, but no one called. Dean was moved before police saw what had happened.
My thoughts have been focused all week on Dean.
My heart goes out to all who have loved him.

Kate: God bless you for what you did. If you would like to meet Dean's friends, families and neighbor's we would love to meet you and thank you for your kindness.

Kate wrote:

I was about to turn right onto Ventura from Don Pio when the accident occurred directly in front of my car. My friend was in the passenger seat, & immediately made the call to 911.
It has been a painful week since being the first to run to Dean. If any of Dean's friends or neighbors are willing to meet with me, I no longer live in, but right at the edge of the Girard Tract.
What the driver did is one problem; that no police sirens were sounding is an incomprehensible issue.
I stayed close to Dean for over an hour. No police came for all that time. The firemen took my contact info, but no one called. Dean was moved before police saw what had happened.
My thoughts have been focused all week on Dean.
My heart goes out to all who have loved him.

Kate,

I just posted a reply to you asking you to send a message to this address: caroch70543@mypacks.net

For some reason, it appears not to have gone through. We can begin the process of putting you in touch with the people who knew and loved Dean. I know that they would want to thank you; as Michael above does. I am concerned about receiving more than one response though, from a prankster, say. So, if you can tell me something about the neighborhood "on the fringe of the Girard Tract" where you live, I'll be confident I'm talking to you. I know the area intimately. I'm sorry for the intrigue, but I'm not comfortable with the lack of privacy here.

Michael, you can also send an address; I'm somewhat familiar with the plans being made.

Michael wrote:

<quoted text>
Kate: God bless you for what you did. If you would like to meet Dean's friends, families and neighbor's we would love to meet you and thank you for your kindness.

Ooops!! Sorry Michael; I meant that you can also send a message to this address: caroch70543@mypacks.net

Barbara Leimback wrote:

Dean and I had been corresponding since 2001 on our Greenwalt family lines. He helped me so much and I will be forever grateful to him. My sincere condolences to his family. Barbara

Thank you Barbara; my apologies for not responding sooner.

I was a good friend of Dean's, and I'm sure that his family would like to know more about your correspondence with him. If you send a message to this address, I can put you in touch with them: caroch70543@mypacks.net.

In your message, tell me something about Dean and/or his family that you know so I will know it's you I'm talking to. I will respond by private e-mail, of course.

Dean Greenwalt was my 3rd cousin. I never met Dean, but corresponded with him for several years, along with Barbara Leimback and other Greenwalt's. His warmth, enthusiasm, and love of others was so evident, even online. He was a dedicated and careful genealogist who always shared his research and encouraged others in their search for family history. Dean was the glue that connected several Greenwalt cousins. He will be greatly missed by all of us as we continue with a giant hole in our quest for family connections and history. Dean shared photos and family letters from my great great grandfather. He put me in touch with another cousin who shared photos and letters I had never seen from my great grandmother. What a tragic end to a vibrant human life. My condolences to his family.
Marilyn Brien brien@satx.rr.com