You're reading: President Hollande says de Margerie ‘dedicated his entire life to French industry’

Moscow - French President Francois Hollande has offered his condolences over the death of oil company Total CEO Christophe de Margerie, the Elysee Palace said in a statement.

The French president was shocked to hear the news of de Margerie’s death, it said.

“The president extends his most sincere condolences to his wife and children, the family and friends of de Margerie, as well as the team of the Total company,” according to the statement.

“De Margerie dedicated his entire life to French industry and the development of the Total company. He helped the company reach a leading position in the world,” it said.

De Margerie died when his Falcon plane collided with a snow-removal machine at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport late on Oct. 21. A criminal investigation has already been opened into the accident.