The Monroe County coroner has identified the victims of a plane crash earlier this week.

Coroner Thomas Yanac Jr. said John Parker Jr. of Saylorsburg and Matthew Berszoner of Nazareth both died in a home-built plane when it crashed unexpectedly.

Parker, 65, was a well-known figure in the area, according to coroner Thomas Yanac Jr.’s press release.

Parker was a retired businessman and a local pilot. He served as a board member for the Monroe County Industrial Development Authority, the Brodhead Creek Regional Authority, Pocono Mountain Industrial Park and Hamilton Township Zoning and Hearing Board.

Berszoner, 34, was a United States Air Force pilot and worked as a professional pilot for United Airlines.

He was originally from the Chicago area.

Berszoner went for a test flight with Parker on Tuesday afternoon, because he was interested in becoming a part owner of the small aircraft, according to the press release.

The search started that evening when Parker didn’t come home and his friends reported him missing.

Early Wednesday morning, Dave Moyer, Parker’s close friend, discovered the wreckage of the plane on a farm on Neyhart Road in Snydersville.

Multiple rescue organizations worked together to dig the bodies and airplane out of the mud.

The NTSB is currently investigating the cause of the crash.

Monroe County Commissioner John Christy mourned Parker as both a personal friend and an influential leader in the community.

“Monroe County lost an important leader with John’s passing,” he said. “He had a vision for Monroe County for the future and he will be sorely missed.”

Under Parker, the Stroudsburg Area School District built three buildings, and the Brodhead Creek Regional Authority expanded its territory, Christy said.

“I don’t think three people, four people could replace what John has done for Monroe County,” Christy added.

Parker is leaving behind his wife, Mary Louise Parker, and two adult sons, Christy said.

Monroe County Commissioners have offered grief counseling to all first responders involved in the incident.

The Joseph J. Pula Funeral Home in Stroudsburg has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements for Parker, and the Schmidt Funeral Home in Nazareth will announce funeral arrangements for Berszoner.