Automotive broadcaster among victims in Steamboat Springs plane crash

Four killed in single-engine plane crash near Colorado ski resort

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Routt County Coroner's Office has identified the four victims who died in a plane crash while approaching a Steamboat Springs, Colorado airport early Friday morning. The victims include automotive entrepreneur and radio show host Aaron Stokes, two of his sons, and another passenger.

Why it matters

The crash has devastated the Franklin, Tennessee community where Stokes was based, as he was a well-known and respected figure in the automotive industry. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing by the FAA and NTSB.

The details

The single-engine, turboprop plane crashed at 12:20 a.m. MST near the summit of Emerald Mountain, southeast of Steamboat Springs. The remote crash site required a local rescue team to recover the victims' bodies. The plane was registered to ALS Aviation LLC of Franklin, Tennessee, which was formed in 2021 and dissolved in 2024, though its ownership certificate is valid through 2031. It's unclear if Aaron Stokes owned the company.

  • The plane crashed at 12:20 a.m. MST on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • The flight originated in Franklin, Tennessee on Thursday before making a brief stop in Kansas City.

The players

Aaron Stokes

A 47-year-old automotive entrepreneur and radio show host from Franklin, Tennessee who was one of the victims in the plane crash.

Jackson Stokes

Aaron Stokes' 21-year-old son who was also a victim in the plane crash.

Colin Stokes

Another 21-year-old victim in the plane crash, though it's unclear if he was related to Aaron Stokes.

Austin Huskey

A 37-year-old victim in the plane crash.

ALS Aviation LLC

The registered owner of the single-engine, turboprop plane that crashed. The company was formed in 2021 and dissolved in 2024, though its ownership certificate is valid through 2031.

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What’s next

The FAA and NTSB are investigating the cause of the crash.

The takeaway

This tragic plane crash has devastated the close-knit Franklin, Tennessee community where Aaron Stokes was a respected automotive industry leader and beloved family man. The investigation into the cause of the crash will aim to provide answers and closure for all those impacted by this devastating loss.