Renowned Meteorologist Killed After Plane Plunges into Icy River

A longtime and much-loved member of the CBS News family has died following a tragic plane crash in Idaho.

Roland Steadham, a veteran meteorologist with Boise-based CBS affiliate CBS2, was killed Tuesday, Jan. 27, when a small plane crashed into the Payette River near Emmett, Idaho. He was 67.

According to the Gem County Sheriff’s Office, the aircraft clipped a power line shortly after takeoff from the Emmett Airport and plunged into the icy river below. Authorities said the crash happened about 12 minutes after departure, with the plane losing contact around 10:55 a.m.

Steadham was one of two people killed in the crash. Officials have not yet released the identity of the second victim or further details about the circumstances leading up to the accident.

“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.

It has not been confirmed whether Steadham was piloting the aircraft at the time, though his station noted that he was widely respected as an accomplished and experienced pilot.

Photos from the scene showed rescue crews navigating the river by boat as they worked around the wreckage in freezing conditions.

Steadham was a familiar face to viewers across the West. A graduate of Brigham Young University and the University of Utah, he built a decades-long career in broadcast meteorology, serving as chief meteorologist at several stations, including NBC affiliate WTVJ in Miami and CBS and ABC affiliates in Salt Lake City, before joining the CBS2 team in Boise.

Following news of his death, tributes poured in from viewers and colleagues who remembered him not only for his professionalism but for his warmth and generosity.

“He always had time to talk about the weather and his life of flying his plane,” one community member wrote. “We lost a beautiful person today doing what he loved.”

CBS2 honored Steadham in a statement praising his passion for weather and his impact on the region.

“For the past decade, Roland Steadham guided people through storm after storm in Idaho,” the station said. “His excitement for the weather was contagious, and he trained countless meteorologists who continue to inform the public across the country.”

His love of aviation was just as strong. Idaho6 reported that Steadham had visited students at the Payette River Regional Technical Academy only a week before the crash, encouraging young pilots to follow their passion.

“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.

Steadham is survived by his wife, six children, and several grandchildren.