In Loving Memory of Aaron Stokes and Loved Ones

In Loving Memory of Aaron Stokes and Loved Ones

The Middle Tennessee community is in mourning following the tragic loss of Aaron Stokes, 47, and three others in a devastating plane crash near Denver early Friday morning. The incident, which occurred around 12:20 a.m., claimed the lives of Aaron, his son Jakson Stokes, 21, his nephew Colin Stokes, 21, and family friend Austin Huskey, 37, leaving family, friends, and colleagues reeling from the sudden and heartbreaking news.

According to a preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration, an Epic Aircraft E1000 crashed near Emerald Mountain in Colorado. The Routt County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that all four individuals were found deceased at the scene, and the Routt County Coroner’s Office has formally identified the victims. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the tragic crash.

Aaron Stokes, a resident of Franklin, Tennessee, was a prominent businessman and beloved figure in Middle Tennessee’s automotive industry. He was the founder of EuroFix and Shop Fix Academy, two enterprises that grew from humble beginnings into multi-location operations serving communities across Franklin, Nashville, Murfreesboro, Belle Meade, and Mount Juliet. Starting in 1999 with a single-car garage, Aaron’s vision, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to build a thriving network of automotive services that became a trusted part of countless lives.

Beyond his business success, Aaron was widely respected for his mentorship and guidance. He nurtured the careers of other shop owners, sharing his knowledge generously and helping others grow professionally. Those who worked with him remember him as dedicated, innovative, and compassionate — a leader who not only focused on profit but also on the people around him. His influence extended far beyond his own companies, shaping the broader automotive community in Middle Tennessee.

Aaron’s family remembers him as a devoted father and uncle. His son, Jakson, and nephew, Colin, were integral parts of his life, sharing moments of joy, laughter, and the love that defines close family bonds. Austin Huskey, also lost in the crash, was a cherished friend and colleague. Together, they represented a circle of family, mentorship, and friendship whose loss has left a void that cannot easily be filled.

The ripple effects of this tragedy are being felt across Middle Tennessee. Tributes and condolences have poured in from neighbors, customers, business associates, and industry peers. Social media is filled with stories recalling Aaron’s kindness, his mentorship, and the countless ways he touched lives through both his professional work and his personal generosity. Friends and family speak of a man whose smile could inspire, whose advice carried weight, and whose dedication to his community was unwavering.

In times like this, communities are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. The Stokes family’s loss underscores the impact one life — and one family — can have on the people around them, shaping not only careers and businesses, but also hearts and relationships.

To the Stokes family and loved ones, may you find comfort in the enduring legacy Aaron built, in the love of family and friends, and in the knowledge that his life and work continue to inspire. To the wider Middle Tennessee community, may his story remind us of the power of mentorship, the value of dedication, and the impact a single individual can make when guided by vision, integrity, and care for others.

In loving memory of Aaron Stokes, Jakson Stokes, Colin Stokes, and Austin Huskey — lives that ended far too soon, yet whose influence, love, and legacy will live on. Though the sky took them too early, the hearts they touched remain forever changed.

Rest peacefully. You will be remembered, cherished, and honored always.