Just hours after the U.S. Department of Justice indicted him on conspiracy charges and bid-rigging in the oil fields of Oklahoma, Aubrey McClendon was killed in a high-speed crash in Oklahoma City. He apparently drove directly into a concrete embankment and was killed instantly. Members of the Upton family are in shock, mourning the sudden death of the colorful businessman.
The 56-year old McClendon was married to Upton family member Katie Upton Byrns, the daughter of St. Joseph's Priscilla Upton Byrns. McClendon was traveling alone at the time of the accident this morning. Authorities say that his Chevy SUV was so severely burned in the wreck that it was nearly impossible to determine if he was wearing a seatbelt.
Once tabbed by Forbes Magazine in a cover story as "The Reckless Billionaire," McClendon was the founder and CEO of American Energy Partners and also co-founder and retired CEO of Chesapeake Energy Corporation. He was an outspoken advocate for natural gas as a cleaner and safer alternative to oil and coal fuels.
McClendon and his wife Katie were among the earliest donors to the St. Joseph Lighthouse Forever Fund, kicking in $100,000 toward the $2-million campaign.
McClendon was also one of the owners of the Oklahoma City Thunder team of the NBA, and owned interests in multiple businesses, restaurants and real estate properties in the greater Oklahoma City area where he and Katie lived. They have three adult children, Jack, Callie & Will.
Aubrey graduated from Duke University in 1981, which was where he met Katie.
Just yesterday, the Justice Department indicted McClendon on allegations of bid-rigging on a number of oil and gas leases in northwest Oklahoma. He denied the charges, telling reporters, "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 antitrust laws. All my life I have worked to create jobs in Oklahoma, grow its economy, and to provide abundant and affordable energy to all Americans." He concluded, "I am proud of my track record in this industry, and I will fight to prove my innocence and to clear my name."
His philanthropy was widely shared with multiple organizations, much like the Lighthouse Forever Fund. He has reportedly donated roughly $15-million to Duke University and another $12.5-million to the University of Oklahoma.
In the photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market.com, shows McClendon with supermodel Kate Upton, who he was related to by his marriage to Katie, from Oilpro.com.
