Meteorologist Roland Steadham has died at age 67 following a plane crash.
Steadham, who was a chief meteorologist for CBS2, was named as one of two victims in a small plane crash in Idaho. CBS affiliate KBOI confirmed on Tuesday, January 27, that Steadham was on a plane that went down near Emmett.
“For the past decade, Roland Steadham guided people through storm after storm in Idaho,” the station wrote in a statement. “He loved to study the weather and shared it with people across Idaho. Roland’s excitement for the weather was contagious.”
Steadham was described as a husband, father of six and grandfather. He was also an experienced pilot who “operated a small aircraft out of Emmett.” According to the Gem County Sheriff’s Office, officials responded on Tuesday to a report of a crash near the Payette River.
Celebrity Deaths of 2026: Hairstylist Kim Vo, Jardyn Walker and More
The preliminary investigation revealed that “a small plane clipped a power line and crashed upon the ice in the river.” Two men were on board and were fatally injured in the crash — with officials holding off on revealing who was flying the plane at the time of the incident. The crash also took out power in the area, which crew members worked on fixing once the scene was secure.
The Federal Aviation Administration released their own statement about the aircraft, stating, “The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide further updates.”
In a tribute from KBOI, the station celebrated Steadham’s passion for his work. They applauded Steadham for being a mentor to fellow meteorologists and noted that flying was “a hobby he enjoyed and often would share stories about local pilots and their accomplishments.”
Outside of work, Steadham was devoted to his family.
“Roland often talked about his wife, Erin, and his six children and grandchildren,” the statement read. “In recent years, he and his family have enjoyed their time kayaking throughout Idaho and spending time together grilling food in their backyard.”
The Most Shocking Celebrity Deaths of All Time: Diane Keaton and More
KBOI mentioned how Steadham would speak about his kids and grandkids — including their “love for life.”
“All of us will remember him talking with great love for Erin,” the statement continued. “Rarely did he have a conversation without sharing about his love for his family.”
The station offered their condolences to Steadham’s “family, friends, and flying community,” adding, “We also send our condolences to the family of the other person who died in the plane crash today.”
CBS’ national weather correspondent Rob Marciano released a tribute for Steadham.
“Terribly sad and shocking news to share from the CBS weather family: CBS2 Chief Meteorologist Roland Steadham has died in plane crash,” he wrote via X on Tuesday. “I’ve known Roland over 20 years and I’ll remember him for being a total pro and kind gentleman, always wearing a smile. Prayers to Erin and his family 😔.”
