Two CEOs and family members perished when an Epic E1000 turboprop crashed into remote mountainous terrain near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, on February 13 at around 12:20 a.m. local time.
Victims identified by Routt County Coroner include Aaron Stokes, 47, founder of Tennessee-based auto repair firms EuroFix, Amerifix, and Shop Fix Academy; his son Jakson Stokes, 21, a Franklin Christian Academy student; nephew Colin Stokes, 21; and Austin Huskey, 37, third-generation CEO of Huskey Building Supply.
“The loss has deeply impacted his family, the Shop Fix Academy team, and the broader automotive community,” Stokes’ company stated on Facebook.
Huskey’s firm mourned: “With heavy hearts, we grieve the unexpected passing of our CEO, Austin Huskey. Austin was a fearless leader, a gracious man, a devoted father and husband, and a faithful follower of Christ.” Jakson’s girlfriend Kalia Velez shared on Instagram: “Jakson, you are my best friend and the love of my life … This is going to be so difficult, and I don’t want to live life without you.”
The plane, registered to ALS Aviation LLC in Franklin, departed Kansas City for Bob Adams Airport after flying from Nashville. The NTSB cited “unknown circumstances,” with FAA and NTSB probes ongoing.
Ravenewsonline extends condolences amid investigations into the tragedy.
