Chesapeake Energy founder Aubrey McClendon dies in car accident
Aubrey McClendon, co-founder of Chesapeake Energy, one of the world's largest natural gas producers, died today following a car accident in Oklahoma City in the US. He was 56.
McClendon's death comes one day after the US Department of Justice indicted him for allegedly violating antitrust laws by colluding to rig bids for oil and gas acreage while he was working at Chesapeake. In a statement released earlier today, he described the charge brought against him as "wrong and unprecedented".
Anyone who knows me, my business record and the industry in which I have worked for 35 years, knows that I could not be guilty of violating any antitrust laws," he said.
"All my life I have worked to create jobs in Oklahoma, grow its economy, and to provide abundant and affordable energy to all Americans. I am proud of my track record in this industry, and I will fight to prove my innocence and to clear my name."
After resigning from Chesapeake in 2013, McClendon went on to found American Energy Partners.
"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,” a Chesapeake spokesman said in a statement.