Four individuals, including the CEO of a Tennessee building supply company anda businessman traveling with two family members, died when a small aircraft went down in rugged terrain near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, early Friday, Feb. 13, 2026.
The deceased were identified as Austin Huskey, 37, CEO of Huskey Building Supply; Aaron Stokes, 47, founder of Shop Fix Academy; and two Stokes family members—Aaron’s son Jakson, 21, and his nephew Colin, 21. All four were pronounced dead at the crash site by the Routt County Coroner’s Office.
The aircraft, an Epic E1000 turboprop registered to ALS Aviation LLC, went down around 12:20 a.m. on Emerald Mountain. The remote location sat at roughly 8,000 feet in elevation, according to Routt County Sheriff Doug Scherar.
Search-and-rescue teams received the alert at 12:40 a.m. Eight responders traveled to the site by foot, snowmobile, and tracked vehicles to help law enforcement and the coroner reach the wreckage.
Coroner Mitch Locke stated, “All four victims have been recovered from the scene, and the Routt County Coroner’s Office is working to notify their families today.”
The plane departed Kansas City Downtown Airport shortly after 10 p.m., heading for Bob Adams Airport in Steamboat Springs. Flight data indicated the aircraft had arrived in Kansas City from Nashville the night before, then continued on its final flight into Colorado.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are examining the cause of the crash, with the NTSB overseeing the probe. An investigator was on the way to document the site and arrange for the aircraft to be moved to a secure facility for detailed analysis.
Austin Huskey was the third-generation leader of Huskey Building Supply, a family-owned business headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee. He had been featured on LBM Journal’s 40 Under 40 list, where he discussed growth opportunities in the industry and his dedication to supporting communities.
The company posted a message on Instagram expressing deep sorrow over Huskey’s passing. They described him as a brave and compassionate leader, a generous individual, a devoted family man, and a committed Christian.
They noted that his warmth was evident wherever he went, as he always took time to connect with people. He valued every voice and encouraged growth among those he led, setting an example through his own actions.
Aaron Stokes was a self-made multimillionaire who launched Shop Fix Academy, which provides training and consulting for small auto repair shops. He also owned several auto service businesses across the region.
Shop Fix Academy issued a statement acknowledging the profound loss, describing Stokes as a respected figure in the automotive aftermarket who believed improving owners’ lives strengthened both their businesses and their families.
CEO Michael Rosenberger shared that Stokes had carefully planned for the company’s future, building a structure designed to remain strong long after his leadership, supported by a comprehensive continuity plan.
The organization honored Stokes as an influential entrepreneur, mentor, and beloved family man whose impact reached far beyond financial success, inspiring leaders throughout North America. His guidance helped thousands of auto shop owners grow their businesses while encouraging them to prioritize family and community.
The plane was registered to ALS Aviation LLC, a Franklin, Tennessee–based limited liability company.
The Epic E1000 is a six-seat turboprop used for personal and business air travel. Known for its composite construction and pressurized cabin, it is favored by executives seeking efficiency and comfort. Its high-altitude capabilities make it well-suited for regional flights, though mountain flying demands specialized training due to unpredictable weather and challenging terrain.
Steamboat Springs, a well-known ski destination in northern Colorado, attracts winter travelers from around the country. The nearby Bob Adams Airport provides access to the area, but the mountainous landscape and variable weather require careful flight operations, especially at night.
The investigation will likely consider weather conditions, the pilot’s background and experience, the aircraft’s maintenance record, and any mechanical factors. NTSB investigations typically require months as officials reconstruct the events leading to the crash.
The deaths mark a major loss for Tennessee’s business community. Both Huskey and Stokes were successful entrepreneurs dedicated to their employees and local communities. Huskey continued a long-standing family legacy, while Stokes built a consulting business focused on helping small shop owners succeed.