Four individuals, including a Tennessee building supply CEO 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.
The Routt County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as Austin Huskey, 37, CEO of Huskey Building Supply; Aaron Stokes, 47, founder of Shop Fix Academy; and two Stokes family members—21-year-old Jakson Stokes, Aaron’s son, and 21-year-old Colin Stokes, Aaron’s nephew. All four were pronounced dead at the crash site.
The Epic E1000, a six-seat turboprop owned by ALS Aviation LLC, crashed around 12:20 a.m. on Emerald Mountain in a remote area roughly 8,000 feet above sea level, Sheriff Doug Scherar said.
Rescue teams were notified at 12:40 a.m. Eight responders reached the area using snowmobiles, tracked vehicles, and by hiking in, assisting deputies, police, and the coroner in accessing the site.
“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 aircraft departed Kansas City Downtown Airport shortly after 10 p.m., heading for Bob Adams Airport in Steamboat Springs. Flight data indicated it had flown from Nashville to Kansas City the previous night before beginning its final trip.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are reviewing the incident, with the NTSB leading. An investigator was on the way to begin documenting the wreckage before it is moved to a secure site for detailed analysis.
Austin Huskey was the third-generation CEO of Huskey Building Supply in Franklin, Tennessee. He had appeared on the LBM Journal 40 Under 40 list, discussing opportunities in the building supply field and his commitment to supporting community development.
Huskey Building Supply posted a message on Instagram expressing their grief over Huskey’s sudden death. They described him as a bold leader, compassionate and generous, devoted to his family, and steadfast in his Christian faith.
The company said his presence brought warmth to every room, and he always made time for anyone he met. He valued every voice, listened carefully, and empowered his team to succeed. He led through action, example, and personal involvement.
Aaron Stokes was a self-made millionaire who created Shop Fix Academy, a consulting firm that offers coaching and training for small auto repair business owners. He also operated several repair shops in the region.
Shop Fix Academy issued a statement mourning the loss. They said Stokes was well known in the automotive aftermarket world for his belief that improving the business owner ultimately improved the shop and strengthened family life.
CEO Michael Rosenberger noted that Stokes had carefully prepared for the organization’s long-term future, putting a continuity plan in place designed to ensure the company could continue operating at full capacity.
They remembered Stokes as an innovative entrepreneur, mentor, and dedicated family man whose influence reached across North America. His work helped thousands of auto shops grow while encouraging owners to pursue excellence and support their families and communities.
The aircraft was registered to ALS Aviation LLC, a limited liability company in Franklin, Tennessee.
The Epic E1000 is a six-passenger turboprop built for personal and business use. Known for its composite design and pressurized cabin, the plane is favored by executives seeking efficient regional travel. Though capable of high-altitude flight, mountain operations require specialized skills due to shifting weather, winds, and terrain.
Steamboat Springs, a major ski destination in northern Colorado, draws winter tourists nationwide. Bob Adams Airport provides access to the area, though flying in the region—especially at night—demands careful navigation due to the mountainous landscape and challenging weather.
The investigation is expected to review factors such as weather at the time, the pilot’s qualifications, the aircraft’s maintenance history, and any potential mechanical issues. NTSB inquiries often take months as investigators reconstruct the events leading up to the crash.
The deaths mark a significant loss for Tennessee’s business community. Both Huskey and Stokes built successful companies and were known for their dedication to employees and local communities. Huskey carried forward a multi-generational business legacy, while Stokes created a coaching enterprise that aimed to help small shop owners thrive.