A beloved Idaho meteorologist who spent decades guiding viewers through storms and severe weather was killed Tuesday in a plane crash on the Payette River, according to authorities and his station.
CBS2 Boise confirmed that Chief Meteorologist Roland Steadham was one of two people killed when a small aircraft crashed near Emmett, Idaho. He was 67.
“It is with great sadness that we share that beloved CBS2 Chief Meteorologist Roland Steadham died in a plane crash on Tuesday,” the station said in a statement. “He and another person were on the plane when it crashed on the Payette River near Emmett.”
Authorities said the aircraft struck a power line before crashing onto an icy section of the river in the Black Canyon area. The plane was registered to Northwest Registered Agent LLC. First responders from the Gem County Sheriff’s Office and Gem County Fire and EMS were dispatched to the scene near the jet ski park turnout shortly after the crash.
Just days before the fatal crash, Steadham had visited aviation students at Payette River Regional Technical Academy in Emmett, where he shared his love of flying and encouraged the next generation of pilots. According to aviation instructor Jim Baker, Steadham ended the visit by urging students to pursue aviation and experience “seeing the world from a different perspective.”
Online flight data shows the plane departed Emmett Airport at 10:43 a.m. and lost contact approximately 12 minutes later. Investigators later recovered GoPro cameras from the wreckage, which may help determine what caused the crash. The FAA and NTSB continue to investigate.
Steadham was a deeply familiar and trusted presence across the Treasure Valley, where he served as CBS2’s chief meteorologist for more than a decade. The station described him as “a beloved member of this community,” adding that no one meant more to him than his family.
“Roland often talked about his wife, Erin, and his six children and grandchildren,” CBS2 said. “Rarely did he have a conversation without sharing about his love for his family.”
According to the station, Steadham and his family enjoyed kayaking throughout Idaho, grilling together in their backyard, and spending time outdoors. He frequently spoke with pride about his children and grandchildren, sharing stories about their accomplishments and their love for life and nature. He especially looked forward to visits with his grandkids.
Steadham was also known around the station for his love of animals. CBS2 noted that his dog would often accompany him to work and sit nearby while he delivered forecasts.
Outside of broadcasting, Steadham was widely respected as an accomplished pilot. He operated a small aircraft out of Emmett and frequently shared stories about aviation and local pilots with colleagues and members of the community. According to authorities and the station, flying was a passion he deeply enjoyed.
Over a 35-year career in meteorology, Steadham served communities in Florida, Utah, and Idaho. He attended Brigham Young University and the University of Utah before completing the Mississippi State Meteorology Program. He earned both the American Meteorological Society Seal of Approval and the National Weather Association Seal of Approval. He also helped train countless meteorologists who now work across the country.
“Roland’s excitement for the weather was contagious,” CBS2 said.
Steadham logged more than 3,000 flight hours during his time as a pilot. He is survived by his wife, Erin, and his six children.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
