The first victims of the Shoreham Air Show crash tragedy have been named.
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Mr Grimstone was a goalkeeper with Worthing United Football Club and was on his way to play for the team in a home game against Loxwood FC at 3pm when he was caught up in the crash.
Hastings manager Garry Wilson wrote on Facebook: “Shocked and saddened to hear about the two young footballers travelling to play for Worthing Utd FC and losing their lives in the Shoreham airshow plane crash, thoughts and prayers go out to their family and friends from all at Hastings Utd FC”.
The family of Matthew Grimstone paid tribute to their 23-year-old son saying: “He was the kindest person you could ever meet, with a great wit”.
According to the BBC, eleven people are understood to have died in the tragedy, in which a plane taking part in an air show crashed onto a main road in West Sussex.
He was named in reports as Andy Hill, a former RAF pilot.
The jet crashed at around 1.20pm on Saturday, shortly after it began its display in front of thousands of visitors.
The vintage jet plummeted into traffic on the A27 on Saturday after attempting a loop manoeuvre.
“If you do have anything that you think may be of use, please let us know by emailing [email protected].police.uk, but please do not attach the files at this time”.
“We ask the media to respect the privacy of his family. A lot of specially-trained officers are sifting, as we speak, so we do need to keep an open mind but from what we have seen at this stage it is possible that we will find more fatalities”.
Investigators will also look at the pilot’s health records, maintenance of the aircraft and any previous problems with the plane, he said.
At least 13 other “walking wounded” victims have been released from hospital.
Prime Minister David Cameron has sent his “heartfelt condolences” to the families of those who died in the crash.
“Chairman Tony Bloom commented: “The thoughts and prayers of everybody at the club are with Matt and Jacob’s family and friends at this shocking time”.
Giovanna Chirico posted a photo of herself and her partner Mark Trussler with a caption that said he was riding an all-black motorbike and was at Shoreham Airport.
Burning debris was also visible high in the air.
He is one of the three confirmed victims.
She told Sky News: “We were watching the displays… and the fast jets were going on”.
“Within seconds we were thinking, “gosh, that plane is going rather low”.
Police appealed for members of the public to stay away from the crash site while they continue to search the area. A dedicated phone line for concerned relatives has been set up on 01273 470101.
He said a significant investigation would now take place by police and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch and was likely to last several days.
Local MP Tim Loughton said: “This has been a really tragic event and there will be many personal tragedies as the details unfold”.
Eastbourne Borough wrote: “EBFC extend our thoughts and sympathies to all affected by the events on the A27 yesterday, including all at @WorthingUtdFC”.
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“It’s good for Shoreham and puts it on the map but unfortunately for something that’s not good this year”.
