A third-generation Tennessee CEO, a businessman, and two of his family members have been identified as the four victims of a private plane crash in the Colorado mountains early Friday morning.
Austin Huskey, 38, the third-generation leader of Huskey Building Supply in Franklin, Tenn., was aboard an Epic E1000 six-seat turboprop when it went down on Emerald Mountain near the Steamboat Springs ski resort just after 12:20 a.m.
Huskey died alongside Tennessee businessman and self-made multimillionaire Aaron Stokes, 47, as well as Stokes’ son Jakson, 21, and nephew Colin, 21.
“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,” the company said in an Instagram post Saturday.
Austin Huskey was identified as one of the four victims killed in a private jet crash in Colorado on Feb. 13, 2026.
“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,” the company wrote. “Austin led by example, led by being in the arena, and led through his own actions and words.”
Last year, Huskey was recognized on LBM Journal’s 40 Under 40 list, where he highlighted both his business growth and his relationship with his wife.
“There is a world of opportunity in our industry. It is really fun and fulfilling to be a part of, hands-on producing and creating the future for our communities,” Huskey said during his award acceptance, addressing the next generation of industry leaders.
The jet, registered to ALS Aviation LLC, had departed from Kansas City Downtown Airport shortly after 10 p.m., bound for Bob Adams Airport in Steamboat Springs, before crashing southeast of the airport, according to flight data.
Aaron Stokes, 47, died alongside his son Jakson, 21, and nephew Colin, 21, in the Colorado plane crash.
Flight data indicates the plane had flown from Nashville to Kansas City the previous evening before crashing in mountainous terrain at an elevation of roughly 8,000 feet.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash. Details on the cause of the crash or who was piloting the aircraft have not been released.
Stokes was the founder of Shop Fix Academy, a Brentwood, Tennessee-based consulting agency that provides small auto shop businesses with professional training and guidance. He also owned several auto repair shops.
“The loss has deeply impacted his family, the Shop Fix Academy team, and the broader automotive community,” the company wrote on Facebook.
“He was widely known in the automotive aftermarket industry for his belief that when you ‘fix the owner, you fix the shop,’ you strengthen not only the business but the home behind it,” the post continued.
The accident occurred near Steamboat Springs, a ski resort town in Colorado.
Aaron Stokes was remembered as a “visionary entrepreneur, mentor, and beloved family man,” according to his obituary.
“Aaron built this company to outlast him,” said Shop Fix Academy CEO Michael Rosenberger. “He had a comprehensive continuity plan in place, which allows our team to remain fully operational. Our commitment to serving shop owners and helping them grow remains unwavering.”
Stokes was credited with helping thousands of auto shops achieve meaningful growth.
“He encouraged business owners to pursue excellence while prioritizing their families and communities alongside their companies. His legacy extends far beyond financial performance, influencing leaders across North America,” the company wrote.
