BOISE, ID -- Steve Appleton, 51, chief executive of Micron Technologies, died in a small plane crash here this morning.
According to The Idaho Statesman, Appleton was flying a single-engine prop plane when it crashed between two runways. He was the only person on board.
Appleton joined Micron in 1983 as a production manager, and later became director of manufacturing and vice president of manufacturing. In 1991, he was appointed president and chief operating officer, and in 1994 named chairman, chief executive and president.
In a statement, the Semiconductor Industry Association said it was saddened by the tragic news of the death of the longtime member of its board. Appleton last fall received the Robert N. Noyce Award, SIA's highest honor, in recognition of contributions to the semiconductor industry.
“Steve was a visionary and a true leader in our industry. He will be deeply missed by the entire semiconductor community and our prayers and thoughts are with his family," said Brian Toohey, SIA president.