FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Authorities have identified the four victims who died in a private plane crash in Colorado early Friday morning. According to Routt County Coroner Mitch Locke, the victims were 47-year-old Aaron Stokes of Franklin, Tennessee, his 21-year-old son Jakson Stokes, their 21-year-old nephew and cousin Colin Stokes, and 38-year-old Austin Huskey. All four were from Tennessee.
The crash involved a private Epic E1000 aircraft that departed from Nashville and went down near Emerald Mountain, close to Steamboat Springs, around 12:20 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13. Routt County Search and Rescue responded to the call at 12:40 a.m. and assisted law enforcement, including Routt County Sheriff’s Officers and Steamboat Springs Police, in reaching the crash site.
Aaron Stokes, founder of Shop Fix Academy, was widely recognized for his contributions to the automotive industry. A self-made entrepreneur, he owned five auto repair shops, hosted the popular radio show “Fixin’ Cars with Aaron Stokes,” and spent 25 years mentoring independent auto shop owners.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed it is investigating the crash, stating that the Epic Aircraft E1000 went down in mountainous terrain under unknown circumstances. Ages of the victims are being finalized, as some reports differ slightly.
The loss has sent shockwaves through both the Franklin community and the broader business and automotive industries. Family, friends, and colleagues mourn the tragic passing of four lives lost in this devastating accident.
