Millionaire CEO, son, nephew, business leader among four killed in Colorado plane crash
American millionaire CEO Aaron Stokes and one other chief executive are among four people who lost their lives in a plane crash in Colorado on February 13.
The aircraft, an Epic E1000, went down in remote mountainous terrain near Steamboat Springs at approximately 12:20 a.m. local time.
Victims identified
Authorities identified the victims as 47-year-old millionaire CEO Aaron Stokes, his 21-year-old son Jakson Stokes, his 21-year-old nephew Colin Stokes, and 37-year-old executive Austin Huskey.
Aaron Stokes was the founder of several automotive repair and training businesses, including EuroFix, AmeriFix, and Shop Fix Academy, headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee.
In a statement shared on social media, Shop Fix Academy described his passing as a devastating loss to his family, team, and the wider automotive community.
“Stokes helped thousands of auto repair shop owners, and countless other business leaders, achieve meaningful growth in their businesses and leadership,” the company said, noting that his legacy extended beyond financial success.
Jakson Stokes was a student at Franklin Christian Academy. Tributes have poured in online, including a heartfelt message from his girlfriend expressing deep grief over his sudden passing.
Austin Huskey served as the third-generation CEO of Huskey Building Supply, also based in Franklin, Tennessee. In 2025, he was recognised in LBM Journal’s “40 Under 40” list. His company described him as a fearless and devoted leader, as well as a dedicated husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Kat Huskey, and their two children.
Flight details and investigation
According to flight data, the aircraft departed Kansas City Downtown Airport shortly after 10 p.m. en route to Bob Adams Airport in Steamboat Springs.
The crash occurred southeast of the airport. Records indicate the plane had earlier flown from Nashville to Kansas City before continuing its journey to Colorado.
The aircraft was reportedly registered to ALS Aviation, a limited liability company based in Franklin, Tennessee.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said preliminary information indicates that the circumstances surrounding the crash remain unknown. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also participating in the investigation.
Authorities are expected to release further details once initial findings are completed.
Read Also: American Airlines Flight collides with army helicopter in Washington (Video)
