10 photos of Roland Steadham: CBS Meteorologist Dies at 67 in Idaho Plane Crash

The Boise community is mourning the loss of a local icon, Roland Steadham, remembered by many as the 'voice of calm' for Idahoans during the storm. The veteran CBS2 (KBOI) Chief Meteorologist tragically died in a plane crash on 27 January 2026.

Beyond his role in the newsroom, Steadham was a skilled pilot with more than 3,000 hours of flight experience. His passion for aviation often found its way into his broadcasts, offering audiences unique aerial perspectives of Idaho's landscapes. His death marks the end of a career spanning 35 years, during which he mentored young meteorologists and built enduring trust with viewers.

Fatal Crash Near Emmett

Steadham's death was confirmed by KBOI (CBS2), the CBS affiliate where he served as Chief Meteorologist. The tragic accident occurred Tuesday morning around 10:58 AM when his small aircraft crashed into the Payette River near Emmett, Idaho.

The Gem County Sheriff's Office reported that the plane appeared to have clipped a power line before plunging into the river. Both occupants on board were fatally injured. While Steadham has been identified, the identity of the second passenger has not yet been publicly released.

KBOI and local authorities have not yet confirmed whether he was the pilot at the time of the crash.

CBS2 Boise's Tribute

CBS2 Boise paid tribute to Steadham. On an Instragram post, they shared videos of his work, calling him a journalist, mentor and friend and said Steadham 'will be greatly missed.'

In a statement, the station wrote: 'For the past decade, Roland Steadham guided people through storm after storm in Idaho. He loved to study the weather and shared it with people across Idaho. Roland's excitement for the weather was contagious. Our community won't be the same without him.'

Colleagues Remember Steadham

Neki Mohan, an award-winning journalist and media executive, expressed her grief on Instagram: 'Devastated to hear of the passing of my treasured former colleague Roland Steadham. Only consolation is that he was doing what he loved.' She recalled his dedication to family, faith, and flying, and described him as 'a delight to work with and a joy to be on a team with.'

CBS News senior national weather correspondent Rob Marciano also paid tribute, calling Steadham 'a great guy, a total pro, and a gentleman.' adding that the news was 'sad and shocking for the weather community.'

Career Highlights

Steadham's long career in broadcast journalism stretched across Florida, Utah, and Idaho. He previously served as chief meteorologist at CBS affiliate KUTV in Salt Lake City from 2005 to 2009 before joining CBS2 Boise. He held degrees from Brigham Young University and the University of Utah, and completed the Mississippi State Meteorology Programme.

His KBOI biography notes that he 'trained countless meteorologists who continue to inform the public across the country.'

A Passion for Adventure

Born in 1958, the 67-year-old weatherman was also an accomplished pilot who operated small aircraft out of the Emmett Municipal Airport. He was a commercially licensed pilot with more than 3,000 hours of flight experience and an avid skydiver with over 700 jumps.

He flew everything from competition aerobatic aircraft to twin-engine jets and gliders. He frequently blended his passion for aviation into his weather segments, offering viewers aerial perspectives of the regions he covered.

Steadham was also an avid hiker and animal lover who would occasionally bring his dog to the station to watch his forecasts. He was well known for his love of the outdoors, often spending his free time kayaking, hiking, and motorcycling.

Family and Community

Steadham is survived by his wife, Erin, six children, and grandchildren. His passing leaves a significant void not only in his family but also in the wider community that relied on his expertise and trusted his voice during times of uncertainty.