Former Chesapeake Energy CEO dies in single-car accident one day after indictment

The life of a CEO comes to an end.
(Image credit: Hunter Martin/Getty Images)

Founder and former CEO of Chesapeake Energy Aubrey McClendon, 56, died in a single-car accident on Wednesday — one day after he was indicted for conspiring to rig bids for oil. McClendon's car reportedly had "plenty of opportunity to get back on the roadway and that didn't occur," according to police who spoke with Reuters. His SUV is said to have struck a bridge and burst into flames.

McClendon was allegedly involved in the oil conspiracy between December 2007 and March 2012, while acting as Chesapeake Energy's CEO. Chesapeake Energy and another oil and gas company reportedly planned who would win bids, then give an interest in the lease to the other company, NBC News reports. The Justice Department apparently did not name the other company it believes was involved when it indicted McClendon.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.