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Steamboat Springs Today
By the People, for the People
Four Tennessee Men Killed in Colorado Plane Crash
Authorities identify victims of deadly crash near Steamboat Springs
Published on Feb. 15, 2026
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Officials have released the identities of four Tennessee men killed in a plane crash in Colorado's Routt County on Friday. The Epic Aircraft E1000 went down near the town of Steamboat Springs around 12:20 a.m. on the south-facing side of Emerald Mountain, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The plane's registration is tied to an aviation company based in Tennessee.
Why it matters
Plane crashes are rare but devastating events that often raise questions about air safety and the potential causes behind such tragedies. This incident in Colorado's high country will likely prompt investigations by the FAA and NTSB to determine what led to the crash and whether any safety improvements are needed to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The details
The plane was traveling west across Colorado, turning south, turning west again, and then turning north before crashing during its descent into the Steamboat Springs Airport at 8,000 feet. The Routt County Sheriff's Office has identified the four victims as Tennessee residents Aaron Stokes, his son Jakson Stokes, his nephew Colin Stokes, and Austin Huskey.
- The plane crash occurred around 12:20 a.m. on Friday, February 14, 2026.
- The victims' identities were released by the Routt County Sheriff's Office on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
The players
Federal Aviation Administration
The federal agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation in the United States.
National Transportation Safety Board
An independent federal agency responsible for investigating civil transportation accidents in the United States.
Routt County Sheriff's Office
The law enforcement agency responsible for the county where the plane crash occurred.
Aaron Stokes
One of the four Tennessee men killed in the plane crash.
Jakson Stokes
The son of Aaron Stokes, one of the four victims.
What’s next
The FAA and NTSB will continue their investigations into the cause of the crash, which could take several months to complete.
The takeaway
This tragic plane crash in Colorado's high country serves as a somber reminder of the risks and potential consequences involved in air travel, and underscores the importance of thorough investigations to improve aviation safety and prevent similar accidents in the future.
