Here’s a sampling of comments from IdahoStatesman.com, Twitter and Facebook as the news spread:

Very sad about Steve Appleton. My Dad has worked at Micron for 30 years and was Steve’s second supervisor years ago.

Jennifer Becker @Jeebs83

Lost another off road racer today in a small plane crash. Heart is heavy. RIP Steve Appleton. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

Yulita Stone @yulitam0

One of Boise’s own — an example of someone who used the tools he had to achieve big things.

Alannah Allbrett

A sad day for his family and friends. He was a treasure to Boise and the rest of the world. RIP

Pam Sonnen

Our thoughts are with Steve Appleton’s family, friends and the many Micron employees, a lot of whom we call customers and friends — Boise lost an icon today.

Bier:Thirty

RIP Steve Appleton. We saw the smoke from the crash when we flew out this morning.

Tony Schlangen @Schlanghole

I can’t help thinking, reading over all this, that Idaho’s Steve Jobs has died. #SteveAppleton

slfisher @slfisher

RIP Steve Appleton. I worked for and respect you.

Alex Gutierrez @agboise

Idaho lost a force today when Steve Appleton died in the cockpit. Through his competitiveness and thoughtful philanthropy, he made us better.

Scott Peyron @ScottPeyron

Very shocked to hear about Steve Appleton. He was a very generous person who believed in helping many people. Thoughts and prayers 2 the fam.

Brandon Wilson @bswilson23

#micron sorry for your loss. Both my laptop and I will keep Appleton in our memory. May he RIP.

Bilal Hashmi @hashmibilal

The news of his tragic death is spreading rapidly primarily because of his huge contribution to the high-tech industry and our everyday lives. Mr. Appleton will be missed.

jimmygrace at IdahoStatesman.com