Springs

Feb. 14 (UPI) — The Routt County, Colorado, Coroner’s Office has identified the four victims who died in a plane crash while approaching a Steamboat Springs airport early Friday morning.

The victims are Aaron Stokes, 47, Jackson Stokes, 21, Colin Stokes, 21, and Austin Huskey, 37, the Steamboat Pilot reported.

Aaron Stokes is the father of Jackson Stokes, but it is unclear if he also is the father of Colin Stokes.

Aaron Stokes was a resident of Franklin, Tenn., which is where the flight originated on Thursday before making a brief stop in Kansas City and then proceeding to Steamboat Springs.

Franklin is located about 20 miles south of Nashville and is home to many country music stars and other celebrities.

Aaron Stokes was the founder of Shop Fix Academy, which assisted the owners of independent auto shops, according to his Ever Loved obituary.

“The Franklin, Tennessee, community and the global automotive industry are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Aaron Stokes, a visionary entrepreneur, mentor and beloved family man,” the obituary says.

“A self-made multi-millionaire with 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, Aaron’s influence extended significantly within the industry,” it continues. “He successfully owned and operated five auto repair shops and hosted the popular radio show Fixin’ Cars with Aaron Stokes.”

The obituary describes him as a “cherished member of the Franklin community. Known for his vibrant personality, kindness, and adventurous spirit, he embraced life with enthusiasm.

“He was a devoted husband and father, and his family has requested privacy during this difficult time. Friends remember him for his deep faith and unwavering integrity.”

The plane crashed at 12:20 a.m. MST near the summit of Emerald Mountain, which is located southeast of Steamboat Springs and the Yampa River.

The remote crash site required a local rescue team to recover the victims’ bodies.

ALS Aviation LLC of Franklin is the registered owner of the single-engine, turboprop Epic Aircraft E1000 that crashed and caused the deaths of all four aboard it.

Initial reports do not say which of the four deceased passengers was piloting the aircraft or if ALS might have been owned by Aaron Stokes.

The company was formed in 2021 and dissolved in 2024, but its ownership certificate is valid through 2031.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash and its cause.

Feb. 13 (UPI) — All four people aboard a single-engine aircraft died when it crashed shortly after midnight local time on Friday in a remote location on the southern side of Emerald Mountain near Steamboat Springs, Colo.

Routt County Sheriff Doug Scherar confirmed their deaths in a prepared statement shared with The Denver Post.

“All four victims have been recovered from the scene, and the Routt County Coroner’s Office is working to notify their families today,” Sherar said.

The Epic Aircraft E1000 in which the four were flying is a high-end turboprop aircraft that is owned by ALC Aviation LLC in Franklin, Tenn., which bought the plane in 2024.

The aircraft crashed at 12:20 a.m. while approaching the Steamboat Springs Airport, and the crash site was located near the top of Emerald Mountain, which is 8,252 feet tall.

Franklin is about 20 miles south of Nashville and is home to many country music stars and other celebrities. The flight originated in Nashville and made a stop in Kansas City before proceeding to Steamboat Springs.

The names of the deceased have not been released pending notification of their next of kin.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the plane crash.

For families, the Palm Springs Air Museum is an unexpected gem. Kids 12 and under are free, and many of the volunteer docents are veterans who can share insights and firsthand stories about what’s on display — and that is a truly impressive spectacle of aircrafts. Over 75 planes, helicopters, jets and other aviation marvels are parked around the museum’s five air-conditioned hangars, including several that were used during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the global war on terror. With no velvet ropes cordoning them off (unless they’re undergoing maintenance), kids can walk up right next to these aircrafts, many of which are still in flyable condition.

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