Micron CEO Steve Appleton dies in small plane crash in Idaho

Micron CEO Steve Appleton dies in small plane crash in Idaho

2012-02-04 11:39:49 GMT+7 (ICT)

BOISE, IDAHO (BNO NEWS) -- Micron Technology, Inc. chief executive officer and chairman Steve Appleton was killed on early Friday morning when his small plane crashed in western Idaho, the company said. He was 51.

The accident happened at around 9 a.m. local time after Appleton, the sole occupant of a single-engine Lancair aircraft, took off from an airport in Boise. "The airplane had just departed the airport and tried to return after departing and crashed just short of the runway," said Allen Kenitzer, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

In a brief statement, the Micron Technology Board of Directors said it was 'deeply saddened' to confirm Appleton had died in the crash. "Our hearts go out to his wife, Dalynn, his children and his family during this tragic time," the statement said. "Steve's passion and energy left an indelible mark on Micron, the Idaho community and the technology industry at large."

Appleton, who in 1983 joined Micron, an international advanced semiconductor solutions provider, was the only person on board the small plane when it crashed in the city of Boise, which is also home to the company's headquarters.

Officials said the accident happened shortly after Appleton's second takeoff from the city's airport. As a pilot, he had previously suffered serious injuries when his small plane crashed nearly eight years ago, on July 8, 2004.

Appleton was appointed president and chief operating officer of Micron in 1991 before being promoted to the position of chairman, chief executive officer and president in 1994. He became CEO of the company in 2007.

Mark Durcan, Micron President and Chief Operating Officer, will assume the responsibilities of CEO until a successor is appointed by the Board of Directors, which will convene a meeting over the weekend. "Steve was a true friend who will be dearly missed by all of us," said Durcan. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and our team members as we all grieve this tragic loss."

Appleton is survived by his wife, Dalynn, and his children.

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