The Feb. 13 crash of an Epic E1000 near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, killed four people, including two business leaders: 47-year-old Aaron Stokes and 37-year-old Austin Huskey. Stokes was traveling with his son Jakson and his nephew Colin; all four aboard were killed. Flight data show the aircraft had departed Kansas City after a prior flight from Nashville and was registered to ALS Aviation of Franklin, Tennessee. The NTSB and FAA are investigating the cause.
Two CEOs Among Four Killed in Colorado Plane Crash Near Steamboat Springs
Austin HuskeyHuskey Building Supply/Instagram
A small, private Epic E1000 aircraft crashed in remote mountainous terrain near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, shortly after midnight on Feb. 13, killing all four people on board. Local authorities and federal investigators have identified the victims and said the cause of the accident is under investigation.
Victims Identified
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The Routt County Coroner identified the victims as 47-year-old Aaron Stokes; his 21-year-old son, Jakson Stokes; his 21-year-old nephew, Colin Stokes; and 37-year-old Austin Huskey. Aaron Stokes was the founder of Franklin, Tennessee–based automotive companies EuroFix, Amerifix and Shop Fix Academy. Austin Huskey was the third-generation chief executive of Huskey Building Supply.
Statements From Family And Companies
Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USAGetty
Business statements and social posts expressed deep sorrow. Shop Fix Academy said Stokes "helped thousands of auto repair shop owners" and that his loss has profoundly affected his family and the wider automotive community. Huskey Building Supply described Austin Huskey as "a fearless leader, a devoted father and husband" and said the company is mourning his unexpected passing. Family members and friends posted tributes on social media, remembering the victims’ personal and professional contributions.
Flight Details And Investigation
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Flight-tracking data indicate the Epic E1000 departed Kansas City Downtown Airport just after 10 p.m., en route to Bob Adams Airport in Steamboat Springs. Public records reviewed by media outlets show the aircraft was registered to ALS Aviation, a limited-liability company based in Franklin, Tennessee. The plane had flown from Nashville to Kansas City the night before the accident.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are leading the investigation. The NTSB told reporters that preliminary information does not yet determine the cause, and federal and local agencies continue to collect evidence and review flight and maintenance records.
What Comes Next
Federal investigators typically examine wreckage, flight data, maintenance logs and pilot records; this process can take weeks or months before reaching conclusive findings.
Authorities have confirmed the identities of the victims and are coordinating with families. Local and national news organizations continue to report on the investigation as new information becomes available.
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