Micron’s CEO, Steve Appleton, Dies in Small Plane Crash

Micron Technology’s Board of Directors has released a statement announcing the death of the company’s CEO, Steven Appleton. Mr. Appleton, 51, died earlier today as the result of a crash in a small plane in Boise, Idaho – the city where Micron’s headquarters is located. The statement is brief, but it was said that, “Steve’s passion and energy left an indelible mark on Micron, the Idaho community and the technology industry at large.“

According to his company profile, Appleton took over as Chairman of the Board and CEO in 1993, when he replaced the company’s founder, Joe Parkinson. Prior to his passing, Appleton was nearing the 29th anniversary of working with the company, which means he would have joined the company at the tender age of 23. This past November, he received the Robert N. Noyce award from the Semiconductor Industry Association, one of the the highest forms of recognition in the semiconductor field.

Our hearts and thoughts go out to Appleton’s family and friends during this rough time.