A CBS meteorologist tragically passed away at 67 years old in a plane crash after his aircraft clipped a power line and plunged into the Payette River in Idaho on Tuesday, January 28. The plane lost contact just 12 minutes after taking off from Emmett Airport.
Roland Steadham, who was the chief meteorologist at CBS2, was one of two people who were killed.
“On January 27, 2026, at approximately 10:58 a.m., Gem County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the jet ski park turnout on the Payette River, west of Montour, Idaho, in Gem County, Idaho, for a report of a small plane crash,” the Gem County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook. “Preliminary information indicates that a small plane clipped a power line and crashed upon the ice in the river. Two male occupants were aboard and both were fatally injured in the crash. Gem County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Gem County Fire and EMS responded to the incident and remain on scene. Power is out and Idaho Power is working with first responders to restore the lines as soon as the scene is secure. Gem County Sheriff’s Office reports that there are no closures along Highway 52.”
They further added that the crash is under investigation.
His career spanned 35 years, spending time in South Florida before moving to Utah and Idaho, per Idaho News. He was also a pilot with more than 3,000 flight hours. Steadham is survived by his wife Erin, as well as his six children and several grandchildren.
Roland Steadham Remembered For His ‘Excitement For The Weather’
CBS2 shared a sweet tribute to Steadham when announcing the news of his passing.
He is remembered as a “beloved member of this community,” as well as a family man.
“In recent years, he and his family have enjoyed their time kayaking throughout Idaho and spending time together grilling food in their backyard,” the article read. “Rarely did he have a conversation without sharing about his love for his family.”
He also had a love for animals, as his “dog would accompany him to the station and watch his forecasts,” while he would also often “share updates with the team about his cats.”
His career allowed him to guide “people through storm after storm in Idaho,” as he “loved to study the weather and shared it with people across Idaho,” adding that his “excitement for the weather was contagious.”
Was Roland Steadham Flying The Plane?
CBS2 reports that it has not been released whether Steadham was piloting the plane at the time of the crash.
He looks like he was a very strong and super intelligent 🤓 love, prayers for support and comfort for his precious wife, six, children and grandchildren 🙏🙏💘🙏🙏 so sorry for this unexpected and tragic loss.
Prayers for the family and friends in this tragic time 🙏 R.I.P. may you fly high in the clouds you were always chasing. hearts and prayers from Stuart, Florida
Roland Stedham was my favorite weatherman. He made his weather reports fun to listen to. Our prayers are with his family and friends.