Four individuals — a Tennessee building supply CEO and a well‑known businessman along with two of his family members — died when a small aircraft went down in mountainous terrain near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, early Friday, February 13, 2026.
The deceased were identified as 37‑year‑old Austin Huskey, CEO of Huskey Building Supply; 47‑year‑old Aaron Stokes, 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. According to the Routt County Coroner’s Office, all four were pronounced dead at the crash site.
The Epic E1000, a six‑seat turboprop registered to ALS Aviation LLC, went down around 12:20 a.m. local time on Emerald Mountain. Routt County Sheriff Doug Scherar said the crash happened in a very isolated area at roughly 8,000 feet of elevation.
Search‑and‑rescue teams were alerted at 12:40 a.m. Eight responders reached the location using snowmobiles, tracked vehicles, and by hiking in, assisting law enforcement officers and the coroner in getting to 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,” Routt County Coroner Mitch Locke stated.
The aircraft departed Kansas City Downtown Airport shortly after 10 p.m., headed for Bob Adams Airport in Steamboat Springs. Flight data indicated it had traveled from Nashville to Kansas City the previous night before beginning its final flight toward Colorado.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are conducting an investigation, with the NTSB taking the lead. An NTSB investigator was on the way to document and inspect the aircraft before it is moved to a secure location for further analysis.
Austin Huskey was the third‑generation leader of Huskey Building Supply, a Franklin, Tennessee‑based family company. He was featured in the LBM Journal 40 Under 40 list, where he spoke about opportunities within the building supply sector and his dedication to supporting communities.
Huskey Building Supply posted a message on Instagram expressing grief over the loss of their CEO. They said they were devastated by the sudden death of Austin Huskey and described him as a brave leader, a generous and kind individual, a devoted husband and father, and a man of strong Christian faith.
The company noted that his warmth was evident wherever he went, giving his time freely to anyone he met. Every voice mattered to him. Austin prioritized listening to the people he guided and encouraging their personal and professional growth. He led through example—through his actions and his words.
Aaron Stokes was a self‑made multi‑millionaire who created Shop Fix Academy, a consulting firm offering professional development and training for small auto repair businesses. He also operated several auto shops across the region.
Shop Fix Academy issued a statement recognizing the immense loss. They said Stokes was widely respected in the automotive aftermarket field for his belief that supporting the business owner ultimately strengthens both the shop and the family behind it.
CEO Michael Rosenberger emphasized that Stokes had carefully prepared the company’s long‑term strategy. Aaron built the organization to remain strong beyond his leadership, establishing a detailed continuity plan that allows the team to maintain full operations.
The company remembered Stokes as a visionary leader, mentor, and cherished family man whose impact extended well beyond financial success, influencing countless leaders across North America. His work helped thousands of auto shops grow while urging business owners to strive for excellence and balance family and community with their careers.
The aircraft was registered to ALS Aviation LLC, a Tennessee‑based limited liability company located in Franklin.
The Epic E1000 is a six‑seat turboprop designed for personal and corporate travel. Built with advanced composite materials and a pressurized cabin, it is favored by executives and business flyers seeking comfort and efficiency for regional trips. Its performance capabilities allow it to reach higher altitudes than many similar aircraft, though flying in mountainous environments involves challenges such as shifting winds, unpredictable conditions, and demanding terrain that require specialized experience.
Steamboat Springs, a popular ski destination in northern Colorado, attracts visitors nationwide during the winter. Its surrounding mountains make Bob Adams Airport an important access point for tourists and business travelers, though the rugged landscape and variable weather necessitate careful navigation, especially at night.
The investigation is expected to look into various factors, including weather at the time, the pilot’s background and qualifications, aircraft maintenance records, and any possible mechanical failures. NTSB inquiries often take months as investigators work to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash.
The deaths mark a major loss for Tennessee’s business community. Huskey and Stokes each built thriving companies and were known for their dedication to employees and local communities. Huskey’s leadership of a multi‑generation family firm showcased the endurance of entrepreneurial heritage, while Stokes’ creation of a consulting enterprise for small shop owners reflected his passion for helping others succeed in competitive fields.
