A much-loved veteran weather forecaster has tragically died after the small plane he was in clipped a power line and plunged into an icy river in Idaho. The incident, which occurred earlier today, claimed the lives of two individuals, including the widely respected meteorologist Roland Steadham, aged 67.
Details of the Fatal Incident
Flight data indicates that the aircraft lost contact at 10:55 am local time, approximately twelve minutes after taking off from Emmett Airport in Idaho. The wreckage was subsequently discovered in the nearby Payette River. Preliminary information from the Gem County Sheriff's Office suggests that the plane "clipped a power line and crashed upon the ice in the river."
Two male occupants were aboard the aircraft, and both sustained fatal injuries. Deputies from the Gem County Sheriff's Office, along with Gem County Fire and EMS, responded swiftly to the scene and remain there as the investigation continues.
Rescue Efforts and Immediate Aftermath
Rescue teams navigated to the wreckage by boat amidst freezing temperatures that have gripped Idaho and much of the nation. The identity of the second victim has not been immediately released. Furthermore, specific details regarding the aircraft model were not disclosed, although it was registered to Northwest Registered Agent LLC.
Remembering Roland Steadham
Roland Steadham was a meteorologist at CBS2, described as "widely respected as an accomplished pilot" who frequently operated a small aircraft from Emmett. It remains unclear whether he was piloting the plane at the time of the crash.
Steadham had logged over 3,000 flight hours and was deeply passionate about aviation. Just one week prior to his death, he visited students at the Payette River Regional Technical Academy's aviation class in Emmett. Teacher Jim Baker recounted to Idaho6 News that Steadham's parting words were: "I’ve enjoyed years of flying … it’s been so good to me … and I’d really encourage you guys to pursue aviation."
Ongoing Investigation and Local Impact
The crash caused a local power outage, with Idaho Power collaborating with first responders to restore the lines once the scene is secured. A full investigation into the precise cause of the accident is currently underway.
Separate Aviation Tragedy
This devastating event follows another recent aviation incident where a small private jet crashed during takeoff at Maine's Bangor International Airport. That accident resulted in the deaths of all on board, including a corporate pilot recently hired by a Texas law firm linked to the aircraft and an event planner, Shawna Collins, 53, a long-time employee of Houston's Lakewood Church.
Collins, known for organising events internationally, was remembered by church spokesperson Donald Iloff Jr., who said, "Everybody loved her. She just had that kind of personality." The cause of that separate crash is also under investigation.
