NATCHEZ — Fred Callon, chairman and CEO of Callon Petroleum, died unexpectedly Wednesday night on a business trip in Denver.

The company, headquartered in Natchez, announced Callon’s death to employees Thursday morning.

“It is with great sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of our dear friend and esteemed CEO,” President and Chief Financial Officer Joe Gatto said. “Fred was, and always will be, the symbol of Callon’s core values and dedication to our employees. We extend our deepest sympathies to Fred’s family.”

Callon had been the chairman of the company’s board of directors since 2004 and president and CEO since 1997. He was the son of the company’s co-founder Sim C. Callon and nephew of its other co-founder John S. Callon.

The company was founded in 1950 in Natchez as an independent oil and natural gas company and has offices in Houston and Midland, Texas.

The company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CPE.”

Gato said the company’s leaders will be meeting Thursday to discuss the future of the company.

“Callon’s Board of Directors will be convening today to ensure the continuity of its strategic direction and operations,” he said.