Millionaire CEO and Family Among Four Victims in Colorado Plane Crash
The tragic plane crash that occurred in Colorado on February 13 has claimed the lives of four individuals, including a millionaire CEO and members of his family. The incident has sent shockwaves through the business and automotive communities.
Details of the Fatal Incident
An Epic E1000 aircraft carrying four people crashed in remote mountainous terrain near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, at approximately 12:20 a.m. local time on Friday, February 13. The Routt County Coroner has identified the victims as 47-year-old millionaire CEO Aaron Stokes, his 21-year-old son Jakson Stokes, his 21-year-old nephew Colin Stokes, and 37-year-old CEO Austin Huskey.
Preliminary information from the National Transportation Safety Board indicates that the circumstances surrounding the crash remain unknown. Both the NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration are actively investigating the incident to determine the cause.
The Victims and Their Legacies
Aaron Stokes was the founder of several successful automotive businesses, including EuroFix, Amerifix, and Shop Fix Academy, all based in Franklin, Tennessee. His company released a statement expressing profound grief, noting that "The loss has deeply impacted his family, the Shop Fix Academy team, and the broader automotive community." The statement further highlighted Stokes' significant contributions, stating that he "helped thousands of auto repair shop owners, and countless other business leaders, achieve meaningful growth in their businesses and leadership...His legacy extends far beyond financial performance."
His son, Jakson Stokes, was a student at Franklin Christian Academy in Franklin. His girlfriend, Kalia Velez, shared an emotional tribute on social media, writing "I don't even have the words to truly express how much my heart hurts. It feels so unreal, truly my worst nightmare...Jakson, you are my best friend and the love of my life...This is going to be so difficult, and I don't want to live life without you..."
Austin Huskey served as the third-generation CEO of Huskey Building Supply, also based in Franklin. In 2025, he was recognized on LBM Journal's prestigious 40 under 40 list. His company issued a statement mourning his passing, describing him as "a fearless leader, a gracious man, a devoted father and husband, and a faithful follower of Christ...Austin led by example...led by his own actions and words." Huskey is survived by his wife, Kat Huskey, and their two children.
Flight Details and Investigation
According to flight data, the aircraft departed from Kansas City Downtown Airport just after 10 p.m. on February 12, bound for Bob Adams Airport in Steamboat Springs. The plane crashed southeast of the destination airport. Records indicate the plane had flown from Nashville to Kansas City the evening before the fatal crash.
Tennessee business records show the aircraft was registered to ALS Aviation, a limited liability company based in Franklin. As investigations continue, authorities are working to piece together the events that led to this devastating accident in the Colorado mountains.
