South Jersey native among 157 killed in Ethiopian Airlines crash

(FOX 29) - As authorities ground Boeing 737 Max 8 aircrafts across several countries in the wake of the deadly Ethiopian Airlines crash, South Jersey has learned that one of its own was among the 157 people killed.

Matt Vecere grew up in Sea Isle City and studied ocean engineering at the Florida Institute of Technology. He later moved back to New Jersey when he transferred to Stockton University.

In 2005, Vecere moved to California, where he was living at the time of the crash.

Vecere worked at I-Q Air, a Swiss-based company that develops air quality products.

MORE: At least 21 UN staffers among 157 killed in Ethiopian Airlines crash

I-Q Air said in a statement it is "saddened by the loss of [their] friend and colleague," remembering him as a great writer and avid surfer with a passion for helping others.

Chicago-based Boeing said it did not intend to issue any new guidance to its customers. It plans to send a technical team to the crash site to help Ethiopian and U.S. investigators, however, and issued a statement saying it was "deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the passengers and crew" on the Ethiopian Airlines Max airplane.

investigators found the flight recorders from the field where the plane went down.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.