Four individuals — including the CEO of a Tennessee building supply company and a well‑known businessman traveling with two relatives — died when a small aircraft went down in rugged terrain near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, early Friday, February 13, 2026.
Authorities identified the deceased as Austin Huskey, 37, CEO of Huskey Building Supply; Aaron Stokes, 47, founder of Shop Fix Academy; along with two Stokes family members—Jakson Stokes, 21, Aaron’s son, and Colin Stokes, 21, his nephew. All four were pronounced dead at the crash site, the Routt County Coroner’s Office reported.
The aircraft, an Epic E1000 six-seat turboprop registered to ALS Aviation LLC, crashed around 12:20 a.m. on Emerald Mountain. Routt County Sheriff Doug Scherar noted that the wreckage was located in a very isolated area at roughly 8,000 feet in elevation.
Search-and-rescue personnel received the alert at 12:40 a.m. A team of eight reached the site using snowmobiles, tracked vehicles, and by hiking in, helping bring deputies, police, and the coroner to the location.
“All four victims have been recovered from the scene, and the Routt County Coroner’s Office is working to notify their families today,” said Routt County Coroner Mitch Locke.
The plane departed Kansas City Downtown Airport shortly after 10 p.m. and was headed to Bob Adams Airport in Steamboat Springs. Flight records show it had traveled from Nashville to Kansas City the night before its final trip into Colorado.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have opened investigations, with the NTSB taking the lead. An investigator was en route to examine and document the aircraft before it is moved to a secure facility for further analysis.
Austin Huskey was the third-generation leader of Huskey Building Supply, headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee. He earned recognition on the LBM Journal 40 Under 40 list, highlighting his views on opportunities in the building supply sector and his dedication to supporting local communities.
Huskey Building Supply posted a tribute on Instagram expressing heartbreak over his unexpected passing. The company described him as a brave and generous leader, a devoted husband and father, and a committed Christian.
The business emphasized how his presence uplifted others, noting that he gave his time freely and listened to every voice. They said he valued empowering those under his leadership and led through his actions and example.
Aaron Stokes was a self-made multimillionaire who founded Shop Fix Academy, a consulting firm offering training and support to small auto repair shops. He also owned multiple repair facilities throughout the area.
Shop Fix Academy issued a message acknowledging the significant loss, describing Stokes as widely respected in the automotive aftermarket for his belief that “fixing the owner fixes the shop,” strengthening both businesses and the families behind them.
CEO Michael Rosenberger explained that Stokes had carefully prepared the organization for long-term stability. Aaron built a comprehensive continuity plan to ensure the company could continue operating at full capacity beyond his leadership.
The company remembered him as an innovative entrepreneur, mentor, and devoted family man whose influence reached far beyond financial metrics. His guidance helped thousands of auto shops grow and encouraged owners to pursue excellence while prioritizing family and community.
The aircraft was registered to ALS Aviation LLC, a limited liability company located in Franklin, Tennessee.
The Epic E1000 is a six-seat turboprop built for personal and corporate use. Its composite construction and pressurized cabin make it a preferred choice for travelers seeking comfort and efficiency on regional routes. Though capable of high-altitude performance, flying in mountainous areas demands specialized expertise due to variable weather, wind, and terrain.
Steamboat Springs, a popular ski destination in northern Colorado, draws visitors from across the country in winter. Bob Adams Airport provides access to the resort, but the region’s rugged landscape and weather patterns require careful flight operations, especially at night.
Investigators are expected to review various factors such as weather conditions, pilot qualifications, aircraft maintenance records, and possible mechanical issues. NTSB investigations often take months as they reconstruct the chain of events that led to a crash.
The deaths mark a major loss for the Tennessee business community. Both Huskey and Stokes built thriving companies and were admired for their dedication to employees and local communities. Huskey continued a multigenerational family enterprise, while Stokes established a consulting firm that supported small business owners striving to succeed in demanding industries.
