Tennessee Business Leaders Aaron Stokes, Son Jakson Stokes, Nephew Colin Stokes, and Austin Huskey Identified as Victims in Steamboat Springs Plane Crash.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado – A tragic aviation accident in the Rocky Mountains has claimed the lives of four Tennessee men, leaving two prominent Middle Tennessee business communities in mourning. The crash, which occurred in the pre-dawn hours of Friday, February 13, 2026, took the life of Aaron Stokes, a 47-year-old Franklin-based entrepreneur and automotive industry mentor, along with his son, nephew, and a close family friend.

The Routt County Coroner’s Office officially identified the victims as Aaron Stokes (47), his son Jakson Stokes (21), his nephew Colin Stokes (21), and Austin Huskey (37) . Authorities confirmed that all four individuals perished at the scene when the aircraft, an Epic E1000 turboprop, crashed into the side of Emerald Mountain near the exclusive ski resort town of Steamboat Springs .

The Final Flight and Crash Site

According to preliminary data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the single-engine aircraft departed from Kansas City Downtown Airport around 10:00 p.m. MDT on Thursday . It was en route to Bob Adams Field, the Steamboat Springs Airport, when it went down under “unknown circumstances” at approximately 12:20 a.m. MST on Friday .

The crash site was located on the south-facing side of Emerald Mountain, a treacherous area roughly three miles southeast of the airport . The remote and rugged terrain, situated at an elevation of approximately 8,000 feet, made recovery efforts difficult. The Routt County Sheriff’s Office reported that rescue teams, including personnel from Routt County Search and Rescue, had to traverse the area on foot, snowmobiles, and tracked vehicles to reach the wreckage and recover the victims .

Flight tracking data reviewed by local outlets indicates the aircraft was descending toward the airport when the accident occurred . The plane was registered to ALS Aviation LLC, a Franklin, Tennessee-based company formed in 2021, though state business records currently list the company as dissolved .

Aaron Stokes: A Legacy in the Automotive Industry

Aaron Stokes was a well-known figure in Franklin and the broader Nashville business community. A resident of Franklin, Stokes dedicated his career to revolutionizing the auto repair industry .

Stokes began his entrepreneurial journey in 1999, operating out of a single-car garage near downtown Franklin . That modest beginning grew into EuroFix, a chain of high-end automotive repair shops that now operates five locations across Middle Tennessee, including Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Belle Meade, and Mount Juliet . His philosophy was rooted in transparency and improving the customer experience, a vision that turned his small startup into a regional success story.

Beyond his shops, Stokes served as a mentor to countless business owners through his second venture, Shop Fix Academy . According to his obituary on Ever Loved, Stokes was a “self-made multi-millionaire with 25 years of entrepreneurial experience” who hosted a popular radio show titled “Fixin’ Cars with Aaron Stokes” on 99.7 WTN . The Academy was designed to provide coaching and education to independent auto shop owners looking to scale their operations, solidifying his reputation as a “visionary entrepreneur” and mentor within the global automotive industry .

Stokes is survived by his wife and four children. In an obituary shared by his family, he is remembered for his “vibrant personality, kindness, and adventurous spirit,” as well as his “deep faith and unwavering integrity” .

The Other Victims: Family and Friends

Traveling with Stokes were three men who represented both his family and close professional circles.

· Jakson Stokes (21) and Colin Stokes (21): Jakson was Aaron’s son, while Colin was his nephew. The two young men, both aged 21, were likely looking forward to a weekend of recreation in the Colorado high country .
· Austin Huskey (37): Huskey was not just a friend of the Stokes family but a business leader in his own right. He served as the CEO and third-generation owner of Huskey Truss & Building Supply, a family-owned company that has been a staple in the Middle Tennessee building materials industry for decades . His presence on the flight underscores the close-knit nature of the Tennessee business community, where personal friendships and professional networks often overlap.

Challenging Terrain and Ongoing Investigation

While the precise cause of the crash remains under investigation, aviation experts and local pilots have noted the challenging approach into Steamboat Springs. Bob Adams Field sits at an elevation of 6,882 feet, while Emerald Mountain rises to roughly 8,255 feet .

According to the Daily Mail, pilots approaching this airport must navigate a narrow valley between the mountain and other peaks, forcing a steeper descent than usual . Night flying in this region adds layers of risk, as mountain ridgelines can be difficult to visually identify, and unpredictable winds can cause sudden downdrafts . AirNav data cited in reports notes that the airport’s PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) lights are “baffled” to prevent pilots from drifting toward high terrain, limiting visibility to 5.5 degrees off the centerline .

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has assumed control of the investigation. An NTSB investigator was dispatched to the scene on Friday afternoon to begin documenting the wreckage . The aircraft will eventually be recovered and transported to a secure facility for a thorough evaluation . The FAA is also participating in the inquiry to determine factors such as weather, mechanical failure, and pilot experience.

Community Response

Back in Tennessee, the news has sent shockwaves through the automotive and business communities. Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes from colleagues and clients who credit Stokes with transforming their careers. Thomas Andrews, a coach identified on the Shop Fix Academy website, shared a message expressing condolences and reflecting on the significant impact Stokes had on the industry .

The Franklin community, known for its close-knit feel despite its proximity to Nashville, is rallying to support the grieving families. As the NTSB works to piece together the final moments of the flight, those left behind are left to celebrate the lives of four men who contributed significantly to their community and industry.

This is a breaking news story. Further details regarding the investigation and memorial services will be published as they become available.