Micron CEO Steve Appleton died in a plane crash in Idaho on Friday.

Micron Technology Inc. said its CEO Steve Appleton, 51, was killed in a small plane accident on Friday morning.

The Boise-based company (NASDAQ:MU) makes advanced semiconductor technology.

The company issue a statement: "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."

The company said it would provide additional information later Friday.

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) issued a statement mourning the death of Appleton, who was a member of its board and was given the industry’s highest honor in November, the Robert N. Noyce Award.

“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, the president of SIA.

Appleton's death comes less than two months after Thomas Phillips, Amazon.com’s web services director, died in a small plane crash in Michigan.

Click here to read the press release from Micron.