A winter getaway turned into a heartbreaking tragedy early Friday morning when a private plane carrying four Tennessee residents crashed into the rugged terrain of Emerald Mountain near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The crash claimed the lives of a prominent Franklin businessman, his son, his nephew, and a close family friend, sending shockwaves through communities in both Tennessee and Colorado.

Authorities discovered the wreckage of the single-engine turboprop aircraft in a remote, snow-covered area just miles from the popular ski resort destination. What was meant to be a weekend on the slopes ended in a devastating loss that has left families and colleagues mourning four “generous and kind” individuals.

A Fatal End to a Cross-Country Journey

The ill-fated flight, an Epic E1000 aircraft, disappeared from radar around 12:20 a.m. Friday while on its final approach to the Steamboat Springs Airport (Bob Adams Field). According to flight tracking data, the group had departed from Nashville International Airport earlier in the evening and made a brief stop in Kansas City before continuing westward toward the Colorado Rockies.

Rescue crews faced challenging conditions as they navigated the steep, snowy slopes of Emerald Mountain to reach the crash site. The Routt County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that there were no survivors among the four souls on board. The remote nature of the crash site, located in an area popular for backcountry skiing and hiking, complicated initial recovery efforts in the darkness of the early morning.

Remembering the Lives Lost

The Routt County Coroner’s Office officially identified the victims, revealing a heartbreaking family connection.

• Aaron Stokes, 47, was a well-known entrepreneur and the CEO of EuroFix, a successful European auto repair chain based in Nashville. He also founded Shop Fix Academy, a coaching business for auto shop owners.
• Jakson Stokes, 21, was Aaron’s son, described by friends as having a “steady presence” and a bright spirit.
• Colin Stokes, 21, was Aaron’s nephew and a close companion to his cousin Jakson.
• Austin Huskey, 37, was a close friend of the Stokes family and a dedicated community member.

Aaron Stokes was more than just a business owner; he was a mentor to thousands in the automotive industry. Starting his first repair shop in a barn, he grew his company into a regional powerhouse. In a statement, Shop Fix Academy CEO Michael Rosenberger noted that Aaron had “built this company to outlast him,” a testament to his visionary leadership.

Austin Huskey is being remembered for his selfless nature. Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury released a tribute calling him “a generous and kind man who made the world better simply by the way he showed up in it.”

Questions Remain in Mountain Investigation

Federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have arrived in Steamboat Springs to determine the cause of the accident. The crash occurred under “unknown circumstances,” and investigators are looking into several critical factors:

• Weather Conditions: While specific conditions at the exact moment of impact are still being analyzed, mountain weather can be unpredictable and hazardous for pilots, especially during night approaches.
• Pilot History: Authorities are reviewing the flight logs and pilot credentials.
• Mechanical Integrity: The aircraft, registered to ALS Aviation LLC in Franklin, Tennessee, was a high-performance turboprop. The wreckage will be examined for any signs of mechanical failure.

The Epic E1000 is known for its speed and climbing ability, often favored by owner-pilots. However, the approach into Steamboat Springs is notoriously challenging due to the surrounding high terrain and variable wind patterns. A preliminary report from the NTSB is expected within two weeks, though a final determination of the cause could take a year or more.

Tennessee Community in Mourning

Back in Franklin, Tennessee, the mood is somber as news of the crash spreads. Social media has been flooded with tributes from those who knew the victims personally and professionally.

A close family friend, Rhonda Valez, shared a touching tribute to Jakson Stokes on Facebook, writing, “Jakson, from the very first moment we met you, we loved you… You carried such an easy light.”

The loss is particularly felt in the local business community, where Aaron Stokes was a fixture. His “rag-to-riches” story—building a business empire after being stranded with a broken-down car as a young man—inspired many aspiring entrepreneurs.

The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with general aviation in mountainous regions. For now, two communities separated by a thousand miles are united in grief, remembering four lives cut tragically short.

This is a developing story. We will provide updates as the NTSB releases more information regarding the investigation.

If you have any memories of the victims or would like to share your condolences, please leave a comment below. If you are sharing this story on social media, please use the hashtag #SteamboatCrash to join the conversation and show support for the families involved.