Condolences Pour In After Death Of Former Chesapeake CEO Aubrey McClendon

Condolences are pouring in from the community following news that Aubrey McClendon, former CEO of Chesapeake Energy, died in a car crash Wednesday morning in northeast Oklahoma City.

First responders were called to the scene of the deadly crash just after 9 a.m. on N. Midwest Blvd., between E. Memorial Rd. and NE 122nd. St. to an SUV that had reportedly struck a bridge and burst into flames. One person was pronounced dead at the scene and later police confirmed with News 9 that the deceased individual was in fact McClendon.

3/2/2016 Related Story: Victim In Fatal NE OKC Crash Identified As Aubrey McClendon

McClendon, the former CEO and co-founder of Chesapeake Energy Corp., was indicted for conspiring to rig bids to buy oil and natural gas leases in northwest Oklahoma on Tuesday.

OKC Mayor Mick Cornett:

"First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with Aubrey’s family. We will always appreciate and remember Aubrey’s generosity and civic pride in our community – from his support of countless local charities to the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of OKC to the arts. His philanthropic investments in local schools and universities, the Boathouse District and throughout our city consistently raised the standards of what Oklahoma City could be.  His love and support of this community will loom large for decades to come."

Gov. Mary Fallin:

“My thoughts and prayers are with Aubrey McClendon’s family, friends and colleagues during this very difficult time. Aubrey will be remembered for his innovations in the oil and natural gas industry, his civic generosity and being a driving force to help grow economic opportunities for Oklahoma City. He was a visionary who raised the profile of Oklahoma.”

Chesapeake Energy Corporation:

“Chesapeake is deeply saddened by the news that we have heard today and our thoughts and prayers are with the McClendon family during this difficult time.”

American Energy Partners:

"It is with deep sadness that AELP confirms that earlier today, its founder, Aubrey K. McClendon died in a car accident on Midwest Boulevard in Oklahoma City.  Aubrey’s tremendous leadership, vision, and passion for the energy industry had an impact on the community, the country, and the world. We are tremendously proud of his legacy and will continue to work hard to live up to the unmatched standards he set for excellence and integrity.  We will deeply mourn his loss and please join us in expressing our condolences to his family."

Thunder Chairman Clayton I. Bennett: 

"I am overcome with grief. Aubrey McClendon was a visionary community leader, a trusted business partner and a passionate member of the Thunder family. But more than anything, he was a brother and a dear friend. 

"His love of his community and his desire to make Oklahoma a better place will forever inspire all of us. Louise and I offer our love and prayers to Katie and the McClendon family."

Oklahoma Oil & Gas:

"We are saddened to hear news of the death of Aubrey McClendon today. Our thoughts are with his family, friends & colleagues at this time."

Oklahoma Oil & Gas Association President Chad Warmington:

“Today’s events are tragic in many ways.  Aubrey McClendon was a pioneer in the oil and natural gas industry.  His vision and leadership helped make Oklahoma the leader it is in oil and natural gas development. The impact of his life’s work is evident throughout the industry.  He was also an incredibly proud Oklahoman who loved his state and demonstrated that through incredible generosity.  Most importantly, he was a loving husband and father. We mourn with the McClendon family, and we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.”?

Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association President Mike Terry: 

"Aubrey McClendon was a groundbreaking pioneer and true champion of Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas industry. He was an extraordinary individual and businessman, admired and treasured by his peers, colleagues and employees.

His steadfast dedication to this industry, Oklahoma and his hometown of Oklahoma City helped usher in a new era of oil and natural gas exploration in the Sooner State and across the nation. By focusing on unconventional resource reservoirs and the use of horizontal drilling, Aubrey helped put in motion our nation’s push toward energy independence, and his use of these unconventional techniques in the development of natural gas was copied by oil and natural gas producers across the nation.

Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas industry has lost a true visionary whose accomplishments will long go unmatched. His passing is a great loss to the industry, state and city he vigorously and loyally supported."

Tom Ward, Chairman and CEO of Tapstone Energy:

"This is not only a heartbreaking day for me but a sad day for all of Oklahoma.  I met Aubrey when he was 23 years old and had the privilege of being his partner for 23 years. I have never met a man who worked harder or had more love for his state than Aubrey McClendon. My heart and prayers go out to Katie and the family."

Devon Energy:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Aubrey McClendon’s loved ones today. He played an instrumental role in America’s energy renaissance and his work will have a lasting impact on our city, state and country.  He served as a leader in the growth and prosperity of Oklahoma City for many years, and his philanthropic efforts and other contributions have helped countless people."

Department of Justice's Antitrust Division: 

“The Department of Justice is saddened to hear about the death of Aubrey McClendon. We offer our condolences to his family and loved ones.”  

T. Boone Pickens:

“I’ve known Aubrey McClendon for nearly 25 years. He was a major player in leading the stunning energy renaissance in America. He was charismatic and a true American entrepreneur. No individual is without flaws, but his impact on American energy will be long-lasting.”

UCO President Don Betz:

"The University of Central Oklahoma community is saddened by the death of Aubrey McClendon and we extend our deepest sympathy and most sincere condolences to his family at this very difficult time. Mr. McClendon was a great supporter of UCO through gifts that helped us complete the CHK / Central Boathouse and that funded various scholarships for our students. His kindness and generosity will be long remembered at UCO and throughout the community.

OCU School Of Business Dean Steve Agee: 

"We've lost a visionary today. He was extraordinary in his ability to see things in advance of them happening."

OSU President Burns Hargis:

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing today of Aubrey McClendon. He was one of the most visionary and brilliant people I have ever met. He was a difference maker and a key player in the shale revolution in America. He will be greatly missed. At this difficult time, we extend our prayers to his family.”