NJ Man Who Aided Earthquake Victims Killed In Plane Crash

A Cape May County man who spent much of his life helping others was among 157 people killed in the Ethiopian Airlines jetliner crash Sunday. Matthew Vecere, 43, grew up in Sea Isle City, followed his dream to become a writer and helped earthquake victims in Haiti.

Vecere's employer, IQAir, announced his death Monday on Twitter.

"Matt was a great writer and an avid surfer with a passion for help others," IQAir said. "Our hearts are with Matt's family and all who lost their lives in this tragedy."

Vecere felt passionate about New Jersey, especially South Jersey, according to his online bio.

"Matt feels it’s important to note that there are two NJs: a South Jersey and a North Jersey," his bio says. "He feels the typical New Jersey stereotypes, partially thanks to the television shows “Sopranos” and “Jersey Shore” (the cast of the latter are not even from NJ!), are rooted in North Jersey. South Jersey does not have gangsters, weird accents or an over-abundance of gold chains. South Jersey does not have secretive nuclear power plants, and Matt does not have strange growths from being raised near such power plants. Matt has never been impaled on a hypodermic needle while surfing, which is lucky, because surfing is pretty much his favorite thing to do."

After spending 2 1/2 years studying engineering, Vecere transferred to Stockton University to study biology and writing. After working in publishing, Vecere aided the elderly at the The Shores United Methodist Home.

"He lists showing up for Halloween as a pregnant nun as one of the many highlights," his bio says. "He also learned a new appreciation for life, death, and everything in between."

Vecere dedicated his time to helping Haiti after its 2010 earthquake. While living in Southern California, he visited Haiti often and was "forever thankful to all the incredible people that have allowed him to be a part of their lives."

The Ethiopian Airlines plane bound for Nairobi crashed, killing everyone on board, including eight Americans. The plane crashed shortly after takeoff.