3 Victims With Md. Ties Among Those Killed In Amtrak Derailment
PHILADELPHIA (WJZ) -- Three of the eight victims who died in the Amtrak train derailment have ties to Maryland.
Rick Ritter has more.
At this time Wednesday we knew there was at least one Maryland victim still unaccounted for. That is no longer the case.
Bob Gildersleeve's wife, Danna, released a statement, saying in part:
"He has been my best friend for 29 years and we just celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary. Our hearts are broken and we can't imagine a life without him."
After hours of an exhaustive search, loved ones holding onto hope are hit with a heart-wrenching reality.
"His smile. He always smiled. He was always just jovial," said Paul Rozgony, friend of Bob Gilderesleeve.
With cadaver dogs Thursday, investigators discover the eighth and final victim aboard Amtrak 188 – 45-year-old Bob Gildersleeve of Elkridge.
For nearly 48 hours, his family was left in the dark. His teenage son made a video pleading for help.
"My name is Mark Gildersleeve. Please help me find my dad. If you know any information call these numbers listed," he said.
Those who know him are now crushed.
"He always had a smile on his face. I never saw him mad in all the years I knew him," said Rozgony.
Gildersleeve worked for a company called Ecolab, which has offices in Towson. The CEO released a statement, saying:
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague. We will greatly miss him, and our thoughts go out to his beloved family members and friends."
Abid Gilani, 55, was also killed in the derailment. A Wells Fargo executive, Gilani used to live in Rockville. His wife made the devastating trip from there to Philadelphia.
"I found out as I got close to the city limit that I was needed for identification," she said.
At the Naval Academy, a band of brothers remember Justin Zemser.
"He was always smiling, always laughing. Justin was relentless. He was the first one in the weight room, last one out. He made everyone just want to get better," one friend said.
The 20-year-old midshipman was an athlete and leader, who dreamed of becoming a Navy Seal.
"He had high aspirations. He trained every day for that," said another friend.
An unforgettable disaster that's left hearts aching for these Maryland families.
"Heartache, to say the least. You feel bad for the kids now having to grow up without their father," said Rozgony.
One friend of Gildersleeve tells WJZ he was the rock of his Elkridge neighborhood and that he would do anything for anyone.
Zemser's funeral is planned for Friday morning in New York. Some midshipmen are expected to attend.
