Authorities have identified the four people killed in a private plane crash in northwestern Colorado as prominent members of the Franklin, Tennessee community.
According to Routt County Coroner Mitch Locke, the victims were Aaron Stokes, believed to be 47; Jakson Stokes, 21; Colin Stokes, 21; and Austin Huskey, 38. Ages are still being formally confirmed.
The aircraft, an Epic Aircraft E1000, crashed near Emerald Mountain in Steamboat Springs around 12:20 a.m. on Feb. 13, according to a preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration.
The agency said the plane went down under unknown circumstances in mountainous terrain roughly three hours northwest of Denver. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation.
Aaron Stokes, a Franklin entrepreneur, founded Shop Fix Academy and owned multiple auto repair businesses. He also hosted “Fixin’ Cars with Aaron Stokes” on local radio station 99.7 WTN.
Friends described him as a mentor in the automotive industry and a dedicated father. Coroner Locke confirmed that Jakson Stokes was Aaron’s son and Colin Stokes his nephew.
Austin Huskey served as CEO of Huskey Building Supply, a third-generation family business. In a public statement, the company called him a “fearless leader” who carried forward a legacy of generosity and innovation.
