FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WZTV) — Four people tragically lost their lives in a small plane crash on Emerald Mountain by Steamboat Springs, Colorado early Friday morning.
Those who died are Aaron Stokes, 47, his son Jakson Stokes, 21, his nephew Colin Stokes, 21, and Austin Huskey, 37, according to Mitch Locke, the Routt County, Colorado, coroner.
Emerald Mountain (Google Maps)
Aaron Stokes was the owner of EuroFix, a car repair company and Shop Fix Academy, which helps other auto shops grow their business headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee.
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Thousands of Miles away in Idaho, Wicked Wrench was one of the many businesses Stokes helped through Shop Fix Academy.
“We were on the brink of closure a year and a half ago,” said owner Brooke Curtiss.
She said Stokes helped save her business, so when she heard the news of his death she was devastated.
“It’s a struggle, I feel like I lost a family member,” said Curtiss in tears.
Austin Huskey was the owner of Huskey Truss & Building Supply, a family-owned business serving the greater Nashville area. They released a statement.
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. As part of the third-generation ownership of Huskey Building Supply, Austin Huskey continued his family’s legacy through generosity and ingenuity. His faithful work saw Huskey continue to thrive in the midst of nationwide economic uncertainty. He was recognized as an LBM Journal 40 under 40 recipient in 2025, highlighting the value Austin brought to Huskey and the building supply industry. Austin’s artistic giftings are evident everywhere he touched, from his musical talents, to Huskey’s new luxury design showroom. His passion and energy uplifted everyone around him and encouraged us all to continue to strive forward daily. He lived life to the fullest while remaining rooted in his role as a husband, father, and son of God. His love was felt in every room he entered, giving time to everyone he came into contact with. No voice was too small, no opinion too little. Austin placed a premium on listening to every person under his stewardship and empowering them to grow and succeed. Austin led by example, led by being in the arena, led by his own actions and words. Mourn with us as we recognize Austin is now in the arms of his Savior. We yearn for the day we all embrace him again. As we grieve, please know that Taylor Huskey and the whole Team at Huskey are fully committed to honoring Austin’s legacy with an unwavering commitment to excellence in serving all of our Customers and Vendor partners. We will continue to strive to be the easiest building supply company in Nashville to do business with.
The deaths have amassed an outpouring of support.
The victims were more than just business owners, they helped change people’s lives like Curtiss.
Family members are too emotional to go on camera and have asked for privacy at this time.
The NTSB is investigating the deadly crash.
According to the NTSB, the plane crashed into mountainous terrain under unknown circumstances.
A spokesperson said the plane left from Nashville, with a stop in Kansas City, and its final destination was at Steamboat Springs.
FOX 17 News will continue to update this article as we know more.