Micron Technology: CEO Steve Appleton Dies in Plane Accident

February 3, 2012

Steve Appleton, Micron Chairman and CEO, died this morning in a small plane accident in Boise. He was 51.

Appleton died piloting a Lancair IV-PT turboprop N321LC, an experimental category (amateur built) single aircraft.

Prior to this, he had a serious plane crash piloting an Extra 300 in 2004 in which he sustained a punctured lung, head injuries, ruptured disk and broken bones.

Micron Technology's Board said, "We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Appleton, Micron  Chairman and CEO, passed away this morning.

Our hearts go out to his wife, Dalynn, his children and his family during this tragic time.

Steve's passion and energy left an indelible mark on Micron, the Idaho community and the technology industry at large."

Appleton started his career at Micron shortly after graduation in 1983 - working the night shift in production. He held a variety of positions in the company, including Wafer Fab manager, Production Manager, Director of Manufacturing, and Vice President of Manufacturing before being appointed President and COO in 1991. He was appointed to the position of CEO and Chairman of the Board in 1994, which he maintained until his untimely death in an airplane crash. At age 34 he was the third youngest CEO in the Fortune 500.

He formerly served on the Board of Directors for SEMATECH, the Idaho State Supreme Court Advisory Council and was appointed by the Clinton Administration to serve on the National Semiconductor Technology Council. At the time of his death, he served on the Board of Directors for the Semiconductor Industry Association, and the Board of Directors for National Semiconductor Corporation, The U.S. Technology CEO Council and was a member of the World Semiconductor Council and the Idaho Business Council.