By Shannon Lukens for Steamboat Radio News/Blizzard Broadcasting.
The names have been released by the Routt County Coroner of those who died in the plane crash on Emerald Mountain early Friday morning. All four are from Tennessee. They are 46-year-old Aaron Stokes, and his son, 21-year-old Jackson Stokes. Their nephew and cousin, 21-year-old Colin Stokes also died. The fourth person who died on the plane is 37-year-old Austin Huskey.
This is according to Routt County Coroner Mitch Locke.
An obituary posted on Ever Loved says Aaron Stokes is from Franklin, Tennessee.
“Aaron Stokes was widely recognized as the founder of Shop Fix Academy, an organization dedicated to empowering independent auto repair shop owners. A self-made multi-millionaire with 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, Aaron’s influence extended significantly within the industry. He successfully owned and operated five auto repair shops and hosted the popular radio show “Fixin’ Cars with Aaron Stokes.”
Our condolences to the family.
Ever Loved — Aaron Stokes Plane Crash Obituary
Screenshots from social media posts in Tennessee
Note: The Routt County Coroner says Aaron Stokes was 47 but the obituary says he was 46.
In a statement from the FAA, it says the Epic E1000 crashed near Steamboat Springs around 12:20 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 13. The plane originated from Nashville, Tenn.
Routt County Search and Rescue got the call at 12:40 a.m. and was en route by 1 a.m. They helped access the site and get others there, including the Routt County Coroner, Routt County Sheriff’s Officers, and Steamboat Springs Police.
A statement early Friday morning from the National Transportation Safety Board, to Steamboat Radio News, said, “NTSB is investigating the crash of an Epic Aircraft E1000 on Feb. 13 near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The preliminary information we have is the plane crashed into mountainous terrain under unknown circumstances.”
More on the Story — Four die in plane crash on back of Emerald Mountain overnight