A tragic plane crash near Steamboat Springs early Friday morning claimed the lives of four individuals from Tennessee, including a father and his adult son. The incident involved an Epic E1000 private aircraft, which went down in mountainous terrain under circumstances that remain under investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the inquiry, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed the crash and continues to coordinate with local authorities.
The flight originated in Nashville, Tennessee, with a scheduled stop in Kansas City before heading to its final destination in Steamboat Springs. The crash occurred around 12:20 a.m. local time on February 13, 2026. Early reports indicate that all four passengers on board were killed. The Routt County Coroner’s Office has identified the victims as 47-year-old Aaron Stokes, his 21-year-old son Jakson Stokes, 21-year-old Colin Stokes, Aaron’s nephew, and 37-year-old Austin Huskey.
Aaron Stokes, a resident of Franklin, was a prominent figure in the automotive repair industry. He founded EuroFix, a family-owned specialized European auto repair shop, and later established Shop Fix Academy, a national coaching organization supporting independent auto repair shop owners. Stokes’ interest in automobiles was sparked by a personal experience: a car accident left him stranded across state lines with no resources, compelling him to learn car repair to make his way home. From those beginnings, he launched EuroFix in 1999 in a modest one-car garage, gradually expanding to multiple locations across Middle Tennessee.
Shop Fix Academy, established in 2016 in Brentwood, grew into a national network serving more than 1,500 independent auto repair shop owners. Michael Rosenberger, CEO of Shop Fix Academy, described Aaron Stokes as a visionary leader who “built this company to outlast him,” emphasizing that operations will continue under a continuity plan. The organization requested privacy and prayers for the Stokes family, clarifying that they are not soliciting donations.
Austin Huskey, the CEO of Huskey Building Supply, was similarly mourned by his company and local community. Tributes described him as “a fearless leader, a gracious man, a devoted father and husband, and a faithful follower of Christ.” Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury also expressed condolences, highlighting Huskey’s contributions to local communities and his commitment to strengthening families through service. Both men were remembered not only for their professional achievements but also for the personal impact they had on colleagues, friends, and loved ones.
Jakson Stokes, at just 21, was remembered for his warm personality and steady presence. Friends and family posted heartfelt messages online, recalling his ability to bring calm and joy to those around him. Rhonda Valez wrote that Jakson had an “easy light” about him and a “steady presence that felt rare,” noting that he brought happiness and stability to those he loved, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
The NTSB dispatched an investigator to the crash site Friday afternoon to document the scene and collect evidence. The team retrieved data from the plane’s avionics and planned continued examination of the wreckage on Saturday. Once initial documentation is complete, the aircraft will be moved to a secure facility for further evaluation. Investigators will focus on three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft, and environmental conditions.
The Epic E1000 is a high-performance, all-carbon-fiber single-engine turboprop, capable of seating six passengers. According to the manufacturer, the aircraft costs between $4 million and $6 million, depending on the configuration selected. The NTSB’s investigation will include a thorough review of the plane’s maintenance history, flight records, and operational details. Weather conditions, lighting, and terrain at the time of the crash will also be examined.
Pilot qualifications and recent flight experience will be scrutinized as part of the inquiry. Investigators will analyze the pilot’s license, ratings, and prior flight hours, as well as the 72-hour period leading up to the crash. Additionally, electronic devices on board may be examined for relevant information, and witness statements will be collected. Surveillance footage from nearby sources, including private cameras and doorbell systems, will also be reviewed to aid in reconstructing the sequence of events.
The NTSB has requested that anyone with relevant information or video footage contact their office via witness@ntsb.gov. A preliminary report detailing factual information gathered in the early stages of the investigation is expected within 30 days. The final report, including probable cause and contributing factors, could take between 12 and 24 months to complete, given the complexity of the investigation.
The crash is a devastating loss for both the Stokes and Huskey families, as well as the wider Tennessee communities they impacted through their businesses and charitable activities. Tributes have highlighted not only their professional accomplishments but also the personal values they embodied, including mentorship, generosity, and faith. The community continues to rally around the families in mourning, reflecting the broad reach of the victims’ influence and the deep grief left in their absence.
The Steamboat Springs area, known for its mountainous terrain and popular ski resorts, presents unique challenges for aviation. While the cause of the crash is not yet known, investigators will consider how terrain, weather, and operational conditions may have contributed to the accident. The steep and unpredictable landscape, combined with early morning darkness, adds complexity to understanding the sequence of events that led to the tragedy.
As the NTSB investigation progresses, authorities emphasize the importance of patient and thorough examination to determine the root cause. In addition to honoring the memory of those lost, the findings may provide important safety lessons for private aviation and inform protocols for high-performance aircraft operations. Families, friends, and communities affected by the loss continue to mourn while awaiting further updates from investigators and officials.
This tragic incident serves as a solemn reminder of both the risks of private aviation and the fragile nature of life, particularly when multiple generations, like Aaron and Jakson Stokes, are taken at once. The impact on their families, friends, employees, and community partners will resonate for years, as they reflect on the contributions, leadership, and character of those lost in the crash.
Authorities and aviation experts are expected to monitor the NTSB’s progress closely, recognizing that the investigation could influence both regional aviation practices and national safety recommendations. In the meantime, the focus remains on supporting the families, preserving the victims’ legacies, and providing the community with accurate information as the inquiry unfolds.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
