Prominent Automotive Entrepreneur and Sons Die in Colorado Plane Crash

Aaron Stokes, founder of Shop Fix Academy, perished along with his two sons in the early morning incident near Steamboat Springs.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A devastating plane crash near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, has claimed the lives of four individuals, including prominent automotive entrepreneur Aaron Stokes, 47, and his two sons, Jackson Stokes, 21, and Colin Stokes, 21. The single-engine, turboprop Epic Aircraft E1000 crashed at 12:20 a.m. MST near the summit of Emerald Mountain, presenting challenges for rescue teams attempting to recover the victims' bodies.

Why it matters

Aaron Stokes was a visionary entrepreneur, mentor, and beloved family man who built a multi-million dollar business over 25 years supporting independent auto shop owners. His death, along with that of his two sons, is a tragic loss for the automotive community and the Franklin, Tennessee, area where the family was based.

The details

The flight originated in Franklin, Tennessee, with a brief stop in Kansas City before continuing to Steamboat Springs. The aircraft was registered to ALS Aviation LLC of Franklin, Tennessee, a company that was initially formed in 2021 but dissolved in 2024, though its ownership certificate remains valid until 2031. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently investigating the cause of the crash, and it remains unclear who was piloting the aircraft.

  • The plane crashed at 12:20 a.m. MST on February 14, 2026.
  • ALS Aviation LLC was formed in 2021 and dissolved in 2024, though its ownership certificate remains valid until 2031.

The players

Aaron Stokes

A 47-year-old automotive entrepreneur and founder of Shop Fix Academy, a company dedicated to supporting independent auto shop owners. He was also the host of the popular radio show 'Fixin' Cars with Aaron Stokes'.

Jackson Stokes

Aaron Stokes' 21-year-old son who perished in the plane crash.

Colin Stokes

Aaron Stokes' 21-year-old son who perished in the plane crash.

Austin Huskey

A 37-year-old individual who also perished in the plane crash.

ALS Aviation LLC

The registered owner of the aircraft involved in the crash. The company was initially formed in 2021 but dissolved in 2024, though its ownership certificate remains valid until 2031.

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What’s next

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently investigating the cause of the crash.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the risks and challenges faced by private aircraft owners and operators, and underscores the importance of ongoing aviation safety oversight and investigation to prevent future accidents and ensure the safety of all air travelers.