Epic E1000 crash in Colorado has left four people dead, including Tennessee business leaders and members of the same family, after a late night flight ended in tragedy near Steamboat Springs.
Authorities confirmed that the aircraft went down shortly after midnight on Feb. 13 in remote mountainous terrain outside Steamboat Springs. The crash occurred at approximately 12:20 a.m. local time, according to officials.
The four victims were identified as Aaron Stokes, 47, his son Jakson Stokes, 21, his nephew Colin Stokes, 21, and Austin Huskey, 37.
Aaron Stokes was widely known in automotive business circles as the founder of EuroFix, AmeriFix and Shop Fix Academy, companies headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee. He built a national reputation advising independent repair shop owners on leadership, operations and business growth.
In a public statement, Shop Fix Academy said the loss has deeply affected Stokes’ family, employees and the broader automotive community. The company described him as a mentor who helped thousands of repair shop owners strengthen their businesses and leadership approach.
Jakson Stokes, his son, was a student at Franklin Christian Academy. Family friends and classmates shared tributes across social media following confirmation of his death.
Austin Huskey, 37, was the third generation CEO of Huskey Building Supply, also based in Franklin. In 2025, he was named to LBM Journal’s 40 Under 40 list, recognizing emerging leaders in the building materials industry.
In a statement, Huskey Building Supply described him as a devoted father, husband and faith driven leader who led by example in both business and community life. He is survived by his wife, Kat Huskey, and their two children.
According to early flight data, the Epic E1000 departed from Kansas City Downtown Airport shortly after 10 p.m. local time. The flight was headed to Bob Adams Airport in Steamboat Springs.
Reports indicate the aircraft had flown from Nashville to Kansas City earlier that evening before continuing on to Colorado. The plane ultimately crashed southeast of Bob Adams Airport in rugged terrain.
The aircraft was registered to ALS Aviation, a limited liability company based in Franklin, according to business records cited by national media outlets.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash.
The NTSB said preliminary information indicates that the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unknown. Investigators are expected to review weather conditions, flight data, pilot information and aircraft maintenance records as part of the inquiry.
A full investigative report could take months to complete, as is typical in fatal aviation accidents involving private aircraft.
