Tragic news out of the NBA yesterday, as Oklahoma City Thunder part-owner Aubrey McClendon has passed away following a car accident in Oklahoma City. McClendon, 56, was the founder of Chesapeake Energy and made his fortune in the natural gas and energy industry. The accident comes just one day after McClendon was indicted on federal charges accusing him of conspiring to suppress prices for oil and natural gas leases.
Mr. McClendon married his college girlfriend, Kathleen Upton Byrns. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Will and Jack; a daughter, Callie; and a grandchild.
The following is a press release from the Oklahoma City Thunder and the National Basketball Association.
Thunder Chairman Clayton I. Bennett Statement Regarding the Passing of Aubrey McClendon
OKLAHOMA CITY, March 2, 2016 – Oklahoma City Thunder Chairman Clayton I. Bennett today released the following statement.
“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.”
Main Photo Credit:
Main Photo Caption: UNITED STATES – FEBRUARY 11: Aubrey McClendon, chairman and chief executive officer of Chesapeake Energy Corp., speaks during the Cambridge Energy Research Associates CERAWeek 2009 conference in Houston, Texas, U.S., on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009. Chesapeake, the petroleum producer that lost 59 percent of its market value last year, is more interested in boosting demand for natural gas in the U.S. than exporting the fuel in a liquefied form, McClendon said. (Photo by F. Carter Smith/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
