CEO and Family Among Victims of Colorado Plane Crash

By Love Oyedokun

A somber cloud hangs over the communities of Franklin, Tennessee, and beyond following the tragic loss of four individuals in a plane crash in Colorado on February 13th, 2026. Among the victims were two prominent CEOs, members of their families, leaving behind grieving loved ones and a void in the business world.

Cablenews24 reports that the single-engine Epic E1000, carrying four passengers, went down in remote, mountainous terrain near Steamboat Springs at approximately 12:20 a.m. local time. The victims have been identified as Aaron Stokes, 47, founder of the EuroFix, Amerifix, and Shop Fix Academy automotive businesses; his son, Jakson Stokes, 21; his nephew, Colin Stokes, 21; and Austin Huskey, 37, CEO of Huskey Building Supply.

Aaron Stokes, a respected figure in the automotive industry, built a successful career empowering auto repair shop owners and business leaders through his Shop Fix Academy. A statement released by the company expressed the profound impact of his loss, stating, “The loss has deeply impacted his family, the Shop Fix Academy team, and the broader automotive community…Stokes helped thousands of auto repair shop owners, and countless other business leaders, achieve meaningful growth in their businesses and leadership…His legacy extends far beyond financial performance…”

His son, Jakson Stokes, was a student at Franklin Christian Academy, remembered for his bright spirit and promising future. His girlfriend, Kalia Velez, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, capturing the depth of their connection: “I don’t even have the words to truly express how much my heart hurts. It feels so unreal, truly my worst nightmare…Jakson, you are my best friend and the love of my life…This is going to be so difficult, and I don’t want to live life without you…”

Austin Huskey, the third-generation CEO of Huskey Building Supply, was recognized as a rising star in the industry, having been named to LBM Journal’s 40 under 40 list in 2025. Described as a fearless leader and devoted family man, his leadership was guided by his strong faith. The company mourned his loss in a statement on Instagram, noting, “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…Austin led by example…led by his own actions and words.” Austin is survived by his wife, Kat Huskey, and their two children.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Preliminary information indicates that the cause of the accident is presently unknown. According to business records, the aircraft was registered to ALS Aviation, a limited liability company based in Franklin, Tennessee.

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Flight data reveals that the plane departed Kansas City Downtown Airport shortly after 10 p.m., en route to Bob Adams Airport in Steamboat Springs. The flight originated in Nashville the previous evening, with a stopover in Kansas City.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is assisting the NTSB in the investigation, seeking to determine the cause of this tragic accident that has claimed the lives of four individuals and deeply impacted their families, friends, and communities.

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