Richard Stearn, 45, was headed home to Whitmore Lake, Mich., after a business trip to Utah when he boarded Comair Flight 3272.

Mr. Stearn's family referred all media calls to General Motors, where Mr. Stearn worked for seven years as a supplier quality engineer in the company's Midsize and Luxury Car Group.

''He was a fine employee,'' said Janine Fruehan, spokeswoman for General Motors.

''He ensured that all our materials met standards for assembly. The company is doing everything it can to help his family get through this.''