BOISE, Idaho — Micron Technology CEO Steve Appleton died Friday morning in a small plane crash in Boise, Idaho, the company said.

Appleton, who joined Micron in 1983, was 51. He had served as head of the chip company since September 1994.

Trading in Micron shares was halted at last check.

“Our hearts go out to his wife, Dalynn, his children and his family during this tragic time,” the company said in a statement. “Steve’s passion and energy left an indelible mark on Micron, the Idaho community and the technology industry at large.”

Appleton’s death comes at a time of improving market sentiment on Boise-based Micron. The stock has risen more than 26 percent since Jan. 1, and has jumped more than 35 percent in the past three months.

The tragedy also struck just a week after Micron announced that D. Mark Durcan, its chief operating officer and president, will be retiring at the end of August. He will be succeeded by Mark Adams, the company’s vice president of worldwide sales.

Micron is also scheduled to hold an analyst conference on Feb. 10.

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