Four people, including a Tennessee building supply CEO and a prominent businessman with his two family members, died when a small plane crashed into mountainous terrain near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, early Friday, February 13, 2026.
The victims were identified as Austin Huskey, 38, CEO of Huskey Building Supply; Aaron Stokes, 47, founder of Shop Fix Academy; and two members of the Stokes family—Jakson Stokes, 21, Aaron’s son, and Colin Stokes, 21, Aaron’s nephew. All four died at the scene of the crash, according to the Routt County Coroner’s Office.
The Epic E1000, a six-seat turboprop plane registered to ALS Aviation LLC, crashed around 12:20 a.m. local time on Emerald Mountain. The crash occurred in a very remote area at an elevation of around 8,000 feet, Routt County Sheriff Doug Scherar said.
Search-and-rescue officials received the call at 12:40 a.m. Eight people traveled to the crash site on foot, by snowmobile, and in tracked vehicles to assist in bringing sheriff’s officers, police officers, and the coroner to the scene.
“All four victims have been recovered from the scene, and the Routt County Coroner’s Office is working to notify their families today,” Routt County Coroner Mitch Locke said.
The plane had taken off from Kansas City Downtown Airport after 10 p.m., bound for the Bob Adams Airport in Steamboat Springs. Flight data showed the aircraft had flown from Nashville to Kansas City the previous evening before making its final, fatal journey into Colorado.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash, with the NTSB leading the investigation. An NTSB investigator was en route to the scene to begin documenting and examining the aircraft, which will be recovered to a secure facility for further evaluation.
Austin Huskey served as the third-generation CEO of Huskey Building Supply, a family business based in Franklin, Tennessee. He was recognized on the LBM Journal 40 under 40 list, where he spoke about the opportunities in the building supply industry and his commitment to creating futures for communities.
Huskey Building Supply released a statement on Instagram expressing their grief. “With heavy hearts, we grieve the unexpected passing of our CEO, Austin Huskey. Austin was a fearless leader, a gracious man, a devoted father and husband, and a faithful follower of Christ,” the company wrote.
The company described how his love was felt in every room he entered, giving time to everyone he came into contact with. No voice was too small, no opinion too little. Austin placed a premium on listening to every person under his stewardship and empowering them to grow and succeed. Austin led by example, led by being in the arena, led by his own actions and words.
Aaron Stokes was a self-made multi-millionaire who founded Shop Fix Academy, a consulting agency that provides small auto shop businesses with professional training and skills. He also owned auto repair shops throughout the region.
Shop Fix Academy released a statement acknowledging the profound loss. The company described Stokes as widely known in the automotive aftermarket industry for his conviction that fixing the owner fixes the shop, strengthening not only the business but the home behind it.
Shop Fix Academy CEO Michael Rosenberger emphasized that Stokes had prepared for the company’s future. “Aaron built this company to outlast him. He had a comprehensive continuity plan in place, which allows our team to remain fully operational. Our commitment to serving shop owners and helping them grow remains unwavering.”
The company remembered Stokes as a visionary entrepreneur, mentor and beloved family man whose legacy extends far beyond financial performance, influencing leaders across North America. Through his work, he helped thousands of auto shops achieve meaningful growth while encouraging business owners to pursue excellence and prioritize their families and communities alongside their companies.
The plane was registered to ALS Aviation LLC, a limited liability company based in Franklin, Tennessee.
The Epic E1000 is a six-seat turboprop aircraft designed for personal and business aviation. With seating for six occupants, the aircraft is known for its advanced composite construction and pressurized cabin, making it popular among executives and business travelers seeking efficiency and comfort for regional flights. The aircraft’s performance capabilities allow it to operate at higher altitudes than many comparable planes, though mountain flying presents unique challenges including unpredictable weather, wind patterns, and terrain considerations that require specialized training and experience.
Steamboat Springs is a popular ski resort community in northern Colorado, attracting visitors from across the country for winter recreation. The town’s proximity to mountainous terrain makes it accessible via Bob Adams Airport, which serves as a gateway for tourists and business travelers visiting the region. However, the challenging topography and weather conditions in the area require careful navigation, particularly during nighttime operations.
The crash investigation will likely examine multiple factors including weather conditions at the time of the flight, the pilot’s experience and qualifications, the aircraft’s maintenance history, and any mechanical issues that may have contributed to the accident. NTSB investigations typically take months to complete as investigators meticulously reconstruct the sequence of events leading to an accident.
The deaths represent a significant loss to the Tennessee business community. Both Huskey and Stokes had built successful enterprises and were known for their commitment to their employees and communities. Huskey’s leadership of a third-generation family business demonstrated the continuation of entrepreneurial traditions, while Stokes’ creation of a consulting business that served small shop owners reflected his dedication to helping others succeed in competitive industries.
The tragedy also highlights the risks associated with private aviation, particularly when flying in mountainous terrain during nighttime hours. While private aircraft provide convenience and flexibility for business travel, they require rigorous attention to safety protocols, weather monitoring, and pilot proficiency to mitigate inherent risks.
Sources:
https://www.aol.com/articles/small-plane-carrying-4-people-034942591.html?spot_im_comment_id=sp_IjnMf2Jd_bb40b320-44e1-3810-b2a0-c86872f22ee9_c_2hNls2tKdpTcIbKCg8xf1jtPFc4&spot_im_highlight_immediate=true&utm_medium=Share&utm_content=sp_IjnMf2Jd_bb40b320-44e1-3810-b2a0-c86872f22ee9_c_2hNls2tKdpTcIbKCg8xf1jtPFc4&spot_im_redirect_source=share&ow_module=conversation
https://nypost.com/2026/02/15/us-news/tennessee-ceo-austin-huskey-aaron-stokes-idd-as-victims-in-colorado-private-jet-crash-near-popular-ski-resort/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/tennessee-businessmen-among-4-killed-174129784.html
