The Boise community and the wider broadcast meteorology world are mourning the loss of Roland Steadham, the longtime Chief Meteorologist at CBS2 (KBOI), who died at the age of 67 following a small plane crash in Idaho. For more than three decades, Steadham was a steady and trusted presence on television screens, known for his calm delivery during severe weather and his deep commitment to public service.
His death on 27 January 2026 has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, viewers, and civic leaders who credit him with shaping not only their understanding of weather but also their confidence during moments of uncertainty. Steadham’s career spanned 35 years and crossed several states, but his influence was most deeply felt in Idaho, where he became a familiar and reassuring figure.
Viewers often described him as the “voice of calm,” particularly during winter storms, wildfires, and other high-impact weather events that affect daily life across the region. Beyond the newsroom, he was known as a mentor, an aviation enthusiast, and a community-minded professional whose passions were closely intertwined with his work. His passing marks the end of a career defined by technical expertise, public trust, and a genuine love for both weather and people.
Fatal Crash Near Emmett and Official Response
The fatal accident occurred Tuesday morning at approximately 10:58 a.m., when a small aircraft crashed into the Payette River near Emmett, Idaho. According to the Gem County Sheriff’s Office, preliminary information indicates that the aircraft may have clipped a power line before plunging into the river. Both individuals on board the plane were fatally injured in the crash.
KBOI, the CBS affiliate where Steadham served as Chief Meteorologist, confirmed his death later that day. Authorities have identified Steadham as one of the victims, while the identity of the second occupant has not yet been publicly released. Officials have also not confirmed whether Steadham was piloting the aircraft at the time of the crash. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including weather conditions, aircraft mechanics, and flight history.
The crash site near the Payette River presented challenges for emergency responders due to terrain and water conditions. Local law enforcement and rescue teams worked to secure the area and recover evidence as part of the investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to play a role in determining the precise cause of the accident, though no official conclusions have yet been released.
For CBS2 Boise, the news was both shocking and deeply personal. Steadham had been a central figure at the station for years, guiding viewers through countless weather events and serving as a senior voice in the newsroom. In a public statement, the station described him as a journalist, mentor, and friend, noting that his enthusiasm for weather and dedication to viewers had a lasting impact on the community. The station emphasized that Idaho would not be the same without his presence on air.
A Career Defined by Trust, Expertise, and Mentorship
Roland Steadham’s broadcast career stretched across Florida, Utah, and Idaho, reflecting both his professional versatility and his reputation as a reliable meteorologist. Before joining CBS2 Boise, he served as chief meteorologist at KUTV, a CBS affiliate in Salt Lake City, from 2005 to 2009. His work there further established him as a respected authority in weather forecasting, particularly in regions prone to complex and rapidly changing conditions.
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Steadham held degrees from Brigham Young University and the University of Utah and completed the Mississippi State Meteorology Programme, credentials that underscored his strong academic foundation in atmospheric science. Colleagues frequently noted his ability to translate complex meteorological data into clear, accessible forecasts that viewers could easily understand and act upon. This skill was central to the trust he built with audiences over decades.
His biography at KBOI highlighted another defining aspect of his career: mentorship. Steadham trained and guided countless young meteorologists who have since gone on to inform and protect the public across the country. Former colleagues often described him as generous with his time and knowledge, willing to explain not just the “what” of forecasting but the “why” behind it. In an industry where experience is invaluable, his guidance helped shape a new generation of broadcasters.
Tributes from within the media community reflected both professional respect and personal affection. Neki Mohan, an award-winning journalist and media executive, described Steadham as a treasured former colleague and recalled his dedication to family, faith, and flying. CBS News senior national weather correspondent Rob Marciano referred to him as a total professional and a gentleman, noting that his death was both sad and shocking for the weather community. These reflections reinforced the sense that Steadham’s influence extended far beyond his local market.
A Life Beyond the Forecast and a Lasting Legacy
While Roland Steadham was best known for his work in meteorology, his life outside the newsroom was equally defined by passion and curiosity. He was a highly accomplished pilot with more than 3,000 hours of flight experience and operated small aircraft out of the Emmett Municipal Airport. Aviation was not simply a hobby for him but a discipline he pursued with the same seriousness and enthusiasm that marked his professional life. He held a commercial pilot’s license and flew a wide range of aircraft, from competition aerobatic planes to twin-engine jets and gliders.
Steadham was also an avid skydiver, completing more than 700 jumps over the years. His love for flight frequently found its way into his broadcasts, where he offered viewers aerial perspectives of Idaho’s landscapes and weather systems. These segments reflected his belief that understanding weather was enhanced by seeing it from multiple vantage points, including the sky.
Beyond aviation, Steadham was known for his love of the outdoors. He enjoyed hiking, kayaking, motorcycling, and spending time with animals. Colleagues and viewers alike remembered moments when he would bring his dog to the station, a small but telling reflection of his warm and approachable personality. These interests reinforced his connection to the region he served, as Idaho’s natural beauty was both his workplace subject and his personal playground.
Steadham is survived by his wife, Erin, six children, and grandchildren. His death leaves a profound void for his family and for a community that relied on his expertise during storms and emergencies. For many Idahoans, his forecasts were not just information but reassurance, delivered by a familiar voice that conveyed preparation rather than panic.
The legacy Roland Steadham leaves behind is one of professionalism, mentorship, and public trust. Over 35 years in broadcast journalism, he demonstrated how science, communication, and compassion could come together in service of the public. His passing is a significant loss, but the impact of his work continues through the meteorologists he trained, the viewers he informed, and the community that came to depend on his steady presence.