The Los Angeles Times reported today that a group of teenage "railfans" have been posting video tributes on YouTube for Robert Sanchez, the Metrolink train engineer who died while operating the passenger train that slammed into a freight train near Los Angeles last week, killing 25 people.

There have been reports that Mr. Sanchez may have been exchanging text messages with youthful rail enthusiasts while at the helm that fateful day. The Times reports that investigators found that he had been texting while on duty that day -- though that doesn't necessarily prove he was distracted at the time of the accident.

What we do know from the tributes is that many teens admired Sanchez. A quick YouTube search for "Robert Sanchez train tribute" revealed several videos (including an animated simulation of the final journey of Metrolink 111) and others with poignant images and music to memorialize that fateful ride and the engineer these youth so admired.

Reading the Times article and viewing some of the videos nearly brought tears to my eyes, not only because of the injuries and tragic deaths of Mr. Sanchez and 25 passengers, but because it was yet another illustration how some young people -- who are sometimes ridiculed because of their "obsession" with railroading -- are using the Internet to express their own humanity at a tragic moment. Some of the videos call for the use of anti-collision technology to help prevent further tragedies and one points out riding trains is far safer than riding in cars and how commuter trains help keep drivers off the road, resulting in fewer traffic deaths.

While it remains to be seen whether text messaging on duty may have led to the tragedy, it's worth remembering that Mr. Sanchez was an enthusiastic mentor who apparently used his cell phone to reach out to young people. If true, misuse of that technology while piloting a train is unforgivable, but his willingness to share his enthusiasm with young people is something to be admired and emulated -- albeit in a safer manner.