2 Middle Tennessee businessmen among 4 people killed in Colorado plane crash

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) -- Officials have identified the four people who died after a small plane with ties to Middle Tennessee crashed in Colorado early Friday morning. The Federal Aviation Administration said an Epic E1000 -- a six-seat turboprop plane -- crashed with four people on board near the ski resort community of Steamboat Springs at approximately 12:20 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 13. The Associated Press reported that Routt County Sheriff Doug Scherar said the plane crashed in a very remote part of Emerald Mountain, which is just across the Yampa River from Steamboat Springs. According to AP, the National Transportation Safety Board said that, based on the preliminary information, the plane crashed into a mountainous terrain in unknown circumstances. Routt County Coroner Mitch Locke told News 2 the victims of the crash were 47-year-old Aaron Stokes; his son, 21-year-old Jakson Stokes; his nephew, 21-year-old Colin Stokes; and 37-year-old Austin Huskey. AP said the plane was registered to ALS Aviation LLC in Franklin, Tennessee. According to an obituary and LinkedIn, Aaron founded EuroFix, a car repair company with five locations across Middle Tennessee, as well as Shop Fix Academy, an organization that helps empower independent auto repair shop owners. In addition, this entrepreneur -- who lived in Franklin with his wife and four children -- hosted a local radio show, "Fixin' Cars with Aaron Stokes." "As a young adult, he was involved in a car crash that left him stranded cashless across state lines, inevitably forcing him to work side jobs and study car repair as a way to fix his vehicle to get back home in Franklin, TN. Fortunately, Aaron had a solid foundation already in basic engine repair as a result of many years of fixing and 'tinkering' with dirt bikes and four-wheelers throughout his childhood. By chance, it was this event that triggered his love for car repair and inspired him to go into business for himself offering fast, convenient, and reliable European auto repair," Aaron's bio on the EuroFix website says, in part. "In 1999, Aaron started his shop in a one-car garage near downtown Franklin. A few months later, he moved his business to an old barn located behind his house, in order to be closer to his family. Five years later, solely from the quality of customer satisfaction and word-of-mouth recommendations, Aaron decided to try and expand EuroFix to a larger location in town. This 'tipping point' was the catalyst that paved the way for future locations across Middle Tennessee." According to a Facebook post from Shop Fix Academy, Aaron founded the organization in 2016 in Brentwood, aiming to help auto repair shop owners strengthen their businesses and families, which grew into a national community of more than 1,500 independent auto repair shop owners. “Aaron built this company to outlast him,” said Michael Rosenberger, CEO of Shop Fix Academy. “He had a comprehensive continuity plan in place, which allows our team to remain fully operational. Our commitment to serving shop owners and helping them grow remains unwavering.” Shop Fix Academy said neither Aaron's family nor any companies associated with him are soliciting donations of any kind, so if you see any GoFundMe pages or fundraising efforts that don't seem affiliated with his family or organizations, you shouldn't contribute to them. Meanwhile, Huskey Building Supply -- a family owned and operated company since 1945 that's based in Franklin but also has locations in Murfreesboro and Mt. Juliet -- posted a statement on Instagram on Saturday, Feb. 14 about the death of its owner and CEO: Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury said it was "deeply saddened" by Huskey's death, writing, "Austin was a generous and kind man who made the world better simply by the way he showed up in it. He listened. He encouraged. He led by example. And he treated people with respect and care. Our team at Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury is grateful for how he supported our work and our families. His impact will live on in the homes built, the lives touched, and the community he helped strengthen." Both the FAA and the NTSB are investigating Friday's fatal plane crash, officials said. No additional details have been released about the incident.