The community of Franklin, Tennessee, is reeling from the devastating loss of four prominent and beloved individuals who were killed in a private plane crash in northwestern Colorado.
Authorities have identified the victims as Aaron Stokes, believed to be 47; Jakson Stokes, 21; Colin Stokes, 21; and Austin Huskey, 38. According to Routt County Coroner Mitch Locke, the ages are still being formally confirmed. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through both Tennessee and Colorado, as friends, family members, and colleagues struggle to process the sudden loss.
The Crash in Colorado
According to a preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration, the aircraft involved was an Epic Aircraft E1000. The plane went down near Emerald Mountain in Steamboat Springs at approximately 12:20 a.m. on February 13.
The FAA said the aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances in mountainous terrain roughly three hours northwest of Denver. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Officials have not yet released details regarding weather conditions, flight plans, or other contributing factors.
A Family and Community Devastated
Among those killed was Aaron Stokes, a well-known Franklin entrepreneur whose influence reached far beyond Tennessee’s borders. Aaron founded Shop Fix Academy, a coaching and training company serving auto repair shop owners nationwide, and owned multiple automotive repair businesses. He was also the host of “Fixin’ Cars with Aaron Stokes” on local radio station 99.7 WTN, where he shared practical advice and industry insight with listeners each week.
Friends and colleagues described Aaron as a visionary leader, mentor, and devoted father. Coroner Locke confirmed that Jakson Stokes was Aaron’s son and Colin Stokes his nephew — making the tragedy all the more heartbreaking for the Stokes family.
Jakson and Colin, both 21, were remembered as young men with bright futures ahead of them. Those who knew them described them as driven, respectful, and deeply connected to their family and community. Their loss has left classmates, friends, and extended family members grappling with overwhelming grief.
Austin Huskey, 38, was the CEO of Huskey Building Supply, a third-generation family business known throughout the region. In a public statement, the company described him as a “fearless leader” who carried forward a legacy of generosity, integrity, and innovation. Under his leadership, the company continued to grow while maintaining strong ties to the communities it served.
Tributes Pour In
In the days following the crash, tributes have flooded social media, painting a portrait of lives marked by leadership, mentorship, and generosity.
One close friend shared a deeply personal message about Aaron Stokes:
“In a lifetime you meet and get to know many people. Most of those people have little impact or impression on your life. Today I lost someone who has had the biggest impact on my life and the life of my family. I’m at a loss of words right now and still in disbelief this is actually true.
Aaron Stokes, you have changed my life and thank you for all of your wisdom and inspiration you have shared with me over the years. I’m truly a better person because of you. Rest in peace, my good friend.”
Such tributes echo across Franklin, where Aaron was widely regarded not only as a successful businessman but also as a mentor who invested deeply in others’ growth and success.
A State in Mourning
The loss of the four men has left an indelible mark on the Franklin community and beyond. Church congregations, business networks, and local organizations have united in prayer and remembrance. Many have spoken of the profound void left by their absence — in boardrooms, at family gatherings, and within the everyday fabric of community life.
As the investigation by federal authorities continues, families and friends are left to mourn the sudden and tragic end to lives that touched so many. Memorial service details have not yet been publicly announced.
In the meantime, Franklin stands together in grief — honoring the memories of Aaron, Jakson, Colin, and Austin, and holding their families close in the face of unimaginable loss.
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