The broadcasting community is mourning the tragic loss of veteran meteorologist Roland Steadham, who died alongside an unidentified passenger in a devastating plane crash in Idaho on Tuesday morning.
A Fatal Flight
Roland Steadham, the 67-year-old CBS2 weather presenter, was piloting his aircraft when it reportedly clipped a power line before plunging into the Payette River shortly before 11am local time. Both Steadham and his passenger were pronounced dead at the scene. The aircraft had lost contact with air traffic control just ten minutes after departing from Emmet Airport.
A Life of Passion and Service
Steadham dedicated 35 years to meteorology, splitting his distinguished career between South Florida and the Intermountain West, where he worked in Utah and Idaho. His colleagues remember him as an exceptional broadcaster whose enthusiasm for weather was genuinely infectious.
'He loved his family, first and foremost, his wife and his kids, loved weather, loved forecasting a good storm, and loved flying,' shared colleague Marti Skold in an emotional tribute to ABC4.
A Devoted Family Man and Adventurer
Steadham leaves behind his wife Erin, their six children, and several grandchildren. Beyond his professional life, he was known as a thrill-seeker who enjoyed skydiving, kayaking, and mountain biking with his family. An accomplished pilot with over 3,000 flying hours, his passion for aviation was profound.
In a poignant twist, just one week before the fatal accident, Steadham had visited aviation students at the Payette River Regional Technical Academy, encouraging them to pursue careers in flight. 'I've enjoyed years of flying … it's been so good to me,' he told the class, according to Idaho6 News.
Professional Recognition and Legacy
A graduate of Brigham Young University, Steadham's meteorological expertise was formally recognised with awards from both the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association. His sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the media industry, with former colleagues expressing profound grief on social media.
'Devastated to hear of the passing of my treasured former colleague Roland Steadham,' wrote former NBC6 and Local 10 journalist Neki Mohan. 'Only consolation is that he was doing what he loved.'
Community Impact
The crash had significant repercussions beyond the immediate tragedy, causing a major power outage in Gem County that affected more than 5,300 customers, as reported by local station KTVB. The incident underscores the broader community impact of the accident.
Described by friends as 'one in a million' and 'one of a kind,' Roland Steadham's legacy is remembered through his professional dedication, his adventurous spirit, and his deep commitment to both his family and the science of meteorology.
