Aaron Stokes Plane Crash Death: Obituary FRANKLIN, Tennessee — The Franklin and automotive communities are mourning the loss of Aaron Stokes, a respected entrepreneur, founder of Shop Fix Academy, and a vibrant leader in the automotive industry, who died today in a plane crash in Colorado, authorities and family members confirmed.
Stokes was aboard a small private aircraft that crashed under currently unclear circumstances in a mountainous region of Colorado. Emergency responders were dispatched after the aircraft went down, but there were no survivors, and Stokes was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators with the Federal Aviation Administration and local authorities are working to determine the cause of the crash.
Industry Leader and Innovator
Aaron Stokes was known across the automotive sector as a forward-thinking entrepreneur whose passion for education and vocational training helped shape the careers of countless technicians and business owners. As the founder of Shop Fix Academy, Stokes built a community-focused platform dedicated to advancing skills, sharing practical knowledge, and fostering professional growth within the automotive repair world. His work earned him deep respect from peers and aspiring mechanics alike.
Colleagues remember him as a generous mentor and an inspiring presence — someone who believed in elevating others and helping them realize their potential. “Aaron didn’t just teach automotive repair,” one industry peer said. “He taught confidence, professionalism, and pride in craftsmanship.”
Beloved Family Man and Community Member
Beyond his professional achievements, Stokes was a devoted family man whose warmth and humor touched the lives of friends and loved ones. In Franklin, where he was deeply rooted, he was known for his embrace of community and his willingness to support local causes and initiatives.
He is survived by his wife, children, and extended family, all of whom have requested privacy as they begin to grieve his sudden loss. Messages of sympathy and support have poured in from around the nation, with many tributes highlighting both his entrepreneurial legacy and his personal generosity.
Legacy and Remembrance
Arrangements for a memorial service in Franklin will be announced by Stokes’ family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory may consider supporting causes that reflect his passion for education, mentorship, and opportunity within vocational trades.
Aaron Stokes’ death is being felt far beyond his hometown — as an innovator, teacher, and leader, his influence will continue through the countless lives he helped shape and the industry he helped grow. His absence is a profound loss, but his legacy of empowerment and community impact will endure.
