A man with ties to South Jersey was one of the 157 victims of a deadly plane crash in Ethiopia on Sunday.

The news comes as more airlines around the world are grounding their Boeing 737 MAX 8 passenger planes.

RELATED: Boeing likely to face new questions after another 737 crash 

Matt Vecere grew up in Sea Isle City and later moved to California.

His employer released a statement, confirming the IQ Air writer was on the flight, saying, “Matt was a great writer and an avid surfer with a passion for helping others. Our hearts are with Matt's family and all who lost their lives in this tragedy.”