A quiet stretch of rural Idaho became the scene of a heartbreaking tragedy this week after a small aircraft struck a power line and plunged into the icy Payette River, claiming the life of a beloved veteran meteorologist, accomplished pilot, and devoted family man.
Roland Steadham, 67, the longtime chief meteorologist at Boise-based CBS affiliate CBS2, was one of two people killed in Tuesday’s crash near Emmett, Idaho. The loss has sent shockwaves through the Treasure Valley, where Steadham was a familiar and trusted presence in homes for years—guiding families through Idaho’s harsh winters, summer heat, and everything in between.
According to online flight data, the aircraft lost contact at approximately 10:55 a.m., just 12 minutes after taking off from Emmett Airport. The Gem County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that preliminary information indicates the plane clipped a power line before crashing onto ice-covered waters of the Payette River.
“Preliminary information indicates that a small plane clipped a power line and crashed upon the ice in the river,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Images shared by local media showed rescue crews battling freezing conditions as they worked from a boat on the river. Tragically, there were no survivors. The identity of the second individual on board has not yet been publicly released.
Steadham was widely known not only for his calm, professional presence on television, but also for his deep love of aviation. CBS2 reported that he regularly operated a small aircraft out of Emmett and was regarded as an exceptionally skilled pilot. With more than 3,000 flight hours logged, flying wasn’t a hobby for Steadham—it was a lifelong passion.
Just one week before the crash, Steadham visited students at the Payette River Regional Technical Academy’s aviation program, where he encouraged young people to pursue careers in the skies.
“The last thing he said before leaving class was, ‘I’ve enjoyed years of flying … it’s been so good to me … and I’d really encourage you guys to pursue aviation,’” instructor Jim Baker recalled.
In addition to flying, Steadham was an avid skydiver and a man who lived fully and fearlessly. He was a graduate of both Brigham Young University and the University of Utah, and his broadcasting career took him across the country. He served as chief meteorologist at outlets including NBC affiliate WTVJ in Miami, CBS affiliate KUTV and ABC affiliate KTVX in Salt Lake City, before ultimately making Boise his home.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from viewers who knew him not just as a weatherman, but as a neighbor and friend.
“He always had time to talk about the weather and his love of flying his plane,” one Idaho resident wrote. Another added, “We lost a beautiful person today doing what he loved.”
Roland Steadham leaves behind his wife, six children, and several grandchildren—a legacy far greater than forecasts and flight logs.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. For now, Idaho mourns a steady voice, a bold aviator, and a man who spent his life serving others with professionalism, humility, and faith.
