Bold headline: Tragedy strikes a Tennessee business community as four people lose their lives in a Colorado mountain crash, including two notable local leaders. And this is the part most people miss: the ripple effects touch families, companies, and a region’s economic fabric.
Two Tennessee businessmen were among the four fatalities when a turboprop plane crashed on Emerald Mountain near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, early Friday under circumstances that remain unclear, according to the Routt County coroner’s office.
The deceased were Aaron Stokes, 47; Jakson Stokes, 21; Colin Stokes, 21; and Austin Huskey, 37. The coroner’s office confirmed these names in an emailed statement and noted that the crash occurred as the aircraft was en route to Bob Adams Airport.
In his obituary, Aaron Stokes was described as the founder of Shop Fix Academy in Franklin, Tennessee. The organization focuses on helping small automotive shops advance through professional development and coaching, reflecting Stokes’s commitment to elevating the automotive service industry beyond day-to-day tasks to strategic growth.
Austin Huskey served as chief executive of Huskey Building Supply, also based in Franklin. Company officials paid tribute online, describing Huskey as a third-generation owner whose work and ingenuity helped the business navigate challenging economic times while remaining committed to generosity and community impact.
According to reporting from the Williamson Herald, Jakson Stokes was Aaron Stokes’s son, and Colin Stokes was his nephew.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash. A preliminary report is anticipated within 30 days as part of the investigative process.
If you’d like more Colorado updates, consider signing up for the daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter for a concise briefing each day.
