EMMETT, Idaho — Veteran CBS2 Chief Meteorologist Roland Steadham, 67, was killed Tuesday morning when a small plane he was aboard clipped a power line and plunged into the icy Payette River near Emmett, officials confirmed. Investigators say the aircraft lost contact just minutes after takeoff and came down on a frozen stretch of the river in the remote Black Canyon area, ending the life of a beloved broadcaster and another man whose identity has not been released.
Authorities were called to the scene just before 11 a.m., shortly after the plane departed from Emmett Airport. Gem County Sheriff’s deputies and emergency crews found the wreckage on the river ice and confirmed both occupants had died from their injuries. Early reports indicate the aircraft struck a power line before crashing, but the cause of the accident remains under investigation by aviation officials.
Steadham spent more than three decades forecasting weather for viewers across the country, earning respect as a clear communicator and seasoned meteorologist. At CBS2 in Boise, he had become a familiar face in Idaho homes, guiding communities through storms and sunshine alike with calm authority. Before his time in Boise, he worked in other major markets including Utah and Florida, building a long and distinguished career.
Outside the studio, Steadham was known for his adventurous spirit. He was a commercially licensed pilot with more than 3,000 flight hours and an avid skydiver. Friends and colleagues said he often shared stories of flight and exploration, weaving his love for aviation into conversations about weather and life. Just last week, he visited a local aviation class to talk about flying and encourage young students to chase their dreams in the sky.
Those who knew him described Steadham as warm, generous, and deeply devoted to his family. He often spoke proudly of his wife, Erin, his six children, and his grandchildren. In recent years, he cherished time spent with them kayaking Idaho rivers and grilling in the backyard — moments full of laughter and light that reflected his spirited approach to life.
Tributes poured in from viewers, colleagues, and the broader community after news of the crash. Many remembered him as more than a weatherman — a mentor, a friend, and a steady voice in living rooms across the Treasure Valley. “Our community won’t be the same without him,” one station said, echoing sentiments shared widely across social media and news outlets.
Steadham is survived by his wife, six children, and grandchildren. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash, including why the aircraft struck the power line and whether any mechanical or weather-related factors played a role. Federal aviation authorities are expected to release further findings in the coming weeks.
