A third-generation Tennessee CEO and three family members were identified as the four victims who were killed when a private plane crashed in the Colorado mountains early Friday morning.
Austin Huskey, the third-generation boss of Huskey Building Supply in Franklin, Tenn., was riding in an Epic E1000, six-seat turboprop plane when it crashed on Emerald Mountain near the Colorado ski resort community of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, just after 12:20 a.m.
Huskey, 38, died alongside Tennessee businessman and “self-made multi-millionaire” Aaron Stokes, 47, Stokes’ son Jakson, 21, and nephew, Colin, 21.
“With heavy hearts, we grieve the unexpected passing of our CEO, Austin Huskey. Austin was a fearless leader, a gracious man, a devoted father and husband, and a faithful follower of Christ,” the company wrote on Instagram Saturday.
“His love was felt in every room he entered, giving time to everyone he came into contact with. No voice was too small, no opinion too little. Austin placed a premium on listening to every person under his stewardship and empowering them to grow and succeed,” the company wrote. “Austin led by example, led by being in the arena, led by his own actions and words.”
Last year, Huskey was recognized on LBM Journal’s 40 under 40 list, where he boasted about expanding his company and his relationship with his wife.
“There is a world of opportunity in our industry. It is really fun and fulfilling to be a part of, hands-on producing and creating the future for our communities,” Huskey told the next generation in his award acceptance.
The jet, registered by ALS Aviation LLC, had taken off from Kansas City Downtown Airport just after 10 p.m., heading for the Bob Adams Airport in Steamboat Springs before crashing southeast of the airport, according to flight data.
Flight data shows the plane had flown from Nashville to Kansas City the previous evening and crashed in the mountainous terrain at an elevation of around 8,000 feet.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board were investigating the crash.
A cause for the crash or who was flying was not immediately revealed.
Aaron Stokes founded the Shop Fix Academy, a Brentwood, Tennessee-based consulting agency providing small auto shop businesses with skills taught by professionals from the industry. He also owned a handful of auto repair shops.
“The loss has deeply impacted his family, the Shop Fix Academy team, and the broader automotive community,” the company wrote on Facebook after Stokes’ death.
“He was widely known in the automotive aftermarket industry for his conviction that when you ‘fix the owner, you fix the shop,’ you strengthen not only the business but the home behind it.
Stokes was remembered as a “visionary entrepreneur, mentor and beloved family man,” according to his obituary.
“Aaron built this company to outlast him,” Shop Fix Academy CEO Michael Rosenberger said. “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.”
Stokes was remembered for helping “thousands” of auto shops achieve meaningful growth because of the company.
“He encouraged business owners to pursue excellence while prioritizing their families and communities alongside their companies. His legacy extends far beyond financial performance, influencing leaders across North America,” the company shared.