Micron COB and CEO Steve Appleton, 51, Dies …

Micron Technology, Inc. is deeply saddened by the death of Chairman and CEO Steve R. Appleton, 51, in a small plane accident in Boise.  

"Steve was a true friend who will be dearly missed by all of us," said Mark Durcan, Micron President and Chief Operating Officer. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and our team members as we all grieve this tragic loss."

Pursuant to the company’s bylaws, Mr. Durcan, in his role as president of the company will assume the responsibilities of CEO until a successor is appointed by the Board of Directors.

Appleton joined Micron in 1983 and held a series of increasingly responsible positions, including production manager, director of manufacturing, and vice president of manufacturing. In 1991, he was appointed president and chief operating officer of Micron and, in 1994, to the position of chairman, chief executive officer and president.

Appleton served on the board of directors for the Semiconductor Industry Association and National Semiconductor, Inc. He was also a member of the World Semiconductor Council and served on the Idaho Business Council.

He received a bachelor of business administration degree from Boise State University in 1982 and an honorary doctorate from Boise State University in 2007.