Franklin Auto Guru, Son, and Nephew Killed in Colorado Plane Crash

The four victims were aboard a private plane registered to a Franklin-based aviation company that crashed near Steamboat Springs.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Aaron Stokes, a 46- or 47-year-old Franklin, Tennessee resident who founded an auto repair shop chain and hosted a radio show, was killed along with his 21-year-old son Jackson Stokes and his 21-year-old nephew Colin Stokes in a plane crash near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Also killed was 37-year-old Austin Huskey. The private plane, registered to a Franklin-based aviation company, crashed under unknown circumstances around 12:20 a.m. on February 13, 2026.

Why it matters

The tragic crash has shocked the Franklin community, where Aaron Stokes was a prominent local business leader and media personality. The investigation into the cause of the crash by the National Transportation Safety Board will aim to provide answers and closure for the victims' families.

The details

The Epic Aircraft E1000 plane crashed near Emerald Mountain in Steamboat Springs, about three hours northwest of Denver. The Federal Aviation Administration's preliminary report stated the plane "crashed under unknown circumstances." The National Transportation Safety Board has announced it is investigating the incident.

  • The plane crashed around 12:20 a.m. on February 13, 2026.
  • The National Transportation Safety Board announced it is investigating the crash on an unspecified date.

The players

Aaron Stokes

A 46- or 47-year-old Franklin, Tennessee resident who founded an auto repair shop chain called Shop Fix Academy and hosted a radio show called "Fixin' Cars with Aaron Stokes" on 99.7 WTN.

Jackson Stokes

Aaron Stokes' 21-year-old son.

Colin Stokes

Aaron Stokes' 21-year-old nephew.

Austin Huskey

A 37-year-old who was also killed in the plane crash.

National Transportation Safety Board

The agency that announced it is investigating the plane crash.

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What’s next

The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the cause of the crash.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has deeply impacted the Franklin community, where Aaron Stokes was a prominent local business leader and media personality. The investigation into the cause of the crash will be crucial in providing answers and closure for the victims' families.