Veteran TV Meteorologist Roland Steadham Dies in Idaho Plane Crash
Roland Steadham, the chief meteorologist at CBS Boise affiliate KBOI, died Tuesday morning when his small aircraft struck a power line and plunged into the icy Payette River near Emmett, Idaho. He was 67.
The crash occurred at approximately 10:58 a.m., killing both Steadham and another occupant of the plane, according to authorities. Steadham, a commercially licensed pilot with over 3,000 hours of flight experience in various aircraft, had operated from Emmett Municipal Airport, investigators confirmed.
A Beloved Weather Veteran
For the past decade, Steadham had been guiding Idaho viewers through storms and weather events as CBS2’s chief meteorologist. Colleagues remembered him as “a great guy, a total pro, and a gentleman,” as quoted by those who worked with him throughout his distinguished career.
Before joining KBOI, Steadham had built an impressive resume in broadcast meteorology. He previously served as chief meteorologist at KUTV in Salt Lake City from 2005 to 2009 and later at KTVX, also in Salt Lake City. His early career included a ten-year stint in Miami, building on his education from Brigham Young University and the University of Utah, local media outlets reported.
What made Steadham special to viewers and colleagues alike? Beyond his weather expertise, those who knew him spoke of his mentorship of younger meteorologists and his passionate approach to communicating complex weather patterns to the public. Throughout his time at CBS2, he trained countless meteorologists who have gone on to careers across the country, according to station statements.
The Crash Investigation
Details surrounding Tuesday’s tragic accident are still emerging. Federal authorities have begun their investigation into what caused Steadham’s aircraft to clip a power line before crashing into the Payette River.
“The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide further updates,” officials noted in their initial statement about the crash.
Flying was more than just a hobby for Steadham, who had accumulated thousands of hours in the cockpit and maintained a commercial license. The weatherman often combined his professional expertise with his passion for aviation, giving him unique insights into atmospheric conditions that pilots face.
Family Man and Community Figure
Beyond the television screen, Steadham was a devoted family man. “Roland often talked about his wife, Erin, and his six children and grandchildren,” one colleague shared. When not forecasting weather or flying, he enjoyed kayaking and grilling—activities that kept him connected to the outdoors he spent his career studying.
The news of his sudden passing has sent shockwaves through both the Idaho community and the broader meteorological profession. Fellow weather professionals expressed their disbelief and sorrow at losing such a respected colleague.
“This is such sad and shocking news for the weather community,” noted meteorologist Rob Marciano, echoing sentiments expressed by many in the field upon learning of the accident.
Steadham’s death marks not just the loss of a trusted weather forecaster but of someone who brought calm and clarity during severe weather events—moments when accurate information can be lifesaving.
As tributes continue to pour in from viewers, colleagues, and the meteorological community, Steadham’s legacy remains evident in the professionals he mentored and the standards of excellence he maintained throughout his decades-long career in broadcast meteorology.
