FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) — Officials have identified the four victims from Middle Tennessee who were the victims of a small plane crash in Colorado early Friday morning.
The Federal Aviation Administration said an Epic E1000, a six-passenger turboprop aircraft, crashed near the Steamboat Springs ski resort community around 12:20 p.m. on Friday, February 13 with four people on board.
The Associated Press reported that Routt County Sheriff Doug Sherar said the plane crashed in a very remote area of Emerald Mountain, across the Yampa River from Steamboat Springs.
According to the Associated Press, the National Transportation Safety Board said that based on preliminary information, the plane crashed in a mountainous area under unknown circumstances.
Previous article: Small plane crash near Steamboat Springs ski resort community in Colorado, killing 4
Routt County Coroner Mitch Locke told News 2 the victims were 47-year-old Aaron Stokes; his son, 21-year-old Jakson Stokes; his nephew, 21-year-old Colin Stokes; and 37-year-old Austin Huskey.
The Associated Press said the plane was registered to ALS Aviation LLC of Franklin, Tennessee.
According to his obituary and LinkedIn, Aaron founded EuroFix, an auto repair company with five locations in Middle Tennessee, and Shop Fix Academy, an organization that empowers independent auto repair shop owners. In addition, the entrepreneur, who lives in Franklin with his wife and four children, hosts the local radio show “Fixing Cars with Aaron Stokes.”
“As a young man, he was involved in a car accident that left him stranded interstate and broke with cash, inevitably forcing him to work on a side job and learn auto repair as a way to repair his vehicle before returning home to Franklin, Tennessee. Fortunately, Aaron had a lot of experience in his childhood. Years of repairing and “tinkering” with dirt bikes and four-wheelers gave him a solid foundation in basic engine repair. By chance, it was this incident that sparked his love for auto repair and sparked his interest in going into business at EuroFix. The bio on the website reads: “In 1999, Aaron opened his shop in a one-car garage near downtown Franklin. After a few months, he moved the business to an old barn behind the house to be closer to his family. Five years later, with nothing more than customer satisfaction and word-of-mouth recommendations, Aaron decided to try expanding EuroFix to a larger location in town. This ‘tipping point’ was the catalyst that paved the way for future store openings in Middle Tennessee. “
According to a Facebook post from Shop Fix Academy, Aaron founded the Brentwood-based organization in 2016 to help auto repair shop owners strengthen their businesses and families, and the organization has since grown into a national community of more than 1,500 independent auto repair shop owners.
“Aaron started this company to outlast him,” said Michael Rosenberger, CEO of Shop Fix Academy. “He created comprehensive continuity plans that allow our team to remain fully operational. Our commitment to serving store owners and helping them grow remains unwavering.”
Shop Fix Academy says no donations of any kind are being solicited by Aaron’s family or any companies associated with him, so if you see any GoFundMe pages or fundraisers that don’t appear to be related to his family or organizations, you shouldn’t donate to them.
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Meanwhile, Huskey Building Supply — a company that has been family-owned and operated since 1945 and is headquartered in Franklin but also has offices in Murfreesboro and Mount Juliet — posted a statement on Instagram on Saturday, February 14, regarding the death of its owner and CEO:
It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the unexpected passing of CEO Austin Huskey. Austin was a fearless leader, a kind man, a devoted father and husband, and a faithful follower of Christ.
As part of the third generation of ownership of Husky Building Supply Company, Austin Husky continues the family legacy through generosity and ingenuity. His faithful work has allowed Husky to continue to thrive amid national economic uncertainty. He was named a 2025 LBM Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree, highlighting the value Austin brings to Husky and the construction supply industry.
Austin’s artistic talents are evident everywhere, from his musical talents to Husky’s new luxury design showroom. His enthusiasm and energy inspired everyone around him and encouraged us all to continue to push forward every day. He lived life to the fullest while remaining rooted in his role as a husband, father and son of God.
His love was felt in every room he entered and time was given to everyone he came in contact with. No voice is too quiet, no opinion is too few. Austin places a premium on listening to everyone under his leadership and helping them grow and succeed.
Austin leads by example, by example, and by example.
Please join us in mourning as we recognize that Austin is now in the arms of his Savior. We long for the day when we embrace Him again.
As we mourn, please know that Taylor Husky and the entire Husky team are fully committed to honoring Austin’s legacy and remain steadfast in our commitment to providing exceptional service to all of our customers and vendor partners. We will continue to strive to be the easiest construction supply company to do business in Nashville.
Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Murray said it was “deeply saddened” by Husky’s passing, writing, “Austin was a generous and kind man who made the world a better place by his presence. He listened. He encouraged. He led by example. He treated people with respect and care. Our team at Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Murray is grateful for his support of our work and our families. His impact will live on in the homes he built and the lives he moved and helped strengthen the community.” “
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating Friday’s fatal plane crash, officials said. No further details about the incident have been released.
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