Trading in Micron stock was halted Friday after news broke of the sudden death of the company’s chairman and CEO, Steve Appleton. According to reports, Appleton died when the small experimental plane he was flying crashed at Boise Airport shortly before 9 o’clock this morning. An airport spokesman said the aircraft was a fixed-wing, single-engine Lancair. It is unclear if the crash occurred during landing or take off. No other details were available. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Micron confirmed Appleton’s death in a statement and offered condolences to the 51-year-old’s wife, Dalynn, and children. "Steve's passion and energy left an indelible mark on Micron, the Idaho community and the technology industry at large,” the company said.

The Semiconductor Industry Association also commented on Appleton’s death. "Steve was a visionary and a true leader in our industry. He will be deeply missed..." SIA president Brian Toohey said in a statement.

Appleton was named Micron’s president and chief operating officer in 1991 after 8 years with the company. He became chairman, CEO and president in 1994. In 2007, Appleton stepped down as president but retained his other titles.

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