Summary (tl;dr)

Roland Steadham, the esteemed Chief Meteorologist for CBS2 (KBOI) in Boise, Idaho, tragically died in a small plane crash on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, which also claimed the life of another individual.

Essential Background

Roland Steadham had a distinguished career spanning 35 years as a television meteorologist, having worked in Florida, Utah, and Idaho. He was well-known in the Boise area as the Chief Meteorologist for CBS2 (KBOI) and was also an accomplished pilot with over 3,000 flight hours and an avid skydiver.

The Full Story

On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, a small plane carrying Roland Steadham and one other person crashed into the icy Payette River near Emmett, Idaho. The Gem County Sheriff's Office reported that the aircraft appeared to have clipped a power line before plummeting into the river. Both occupants were fatally injured in the crash, which occurred around 10:58 a.m. Steadham's death was confirmed by his employer, KBOI. The identity of the second victim has not yet been publicly released.

Why It Matters

The passing of Roland Steadham has deeply impacted the community he served, as well as the broader meteorological and aviation fields. He was highly regarded for his decades of service, his infectious enthusiasm for weather forecasting, and his passion for flying, which he often incorporated into his broadcasts. His death represents a significant loss to his family—including his wife, six children, and grandchildren—and to the countless colleagues and viewers he influenced throughout his extensive career. The incident is currently under investigation by the Gem County Sheriff's Office.

Geographic Location

• Payette River near Emmett, Gem County, Idaho, United States (plane crash)