- Roland Steadham, 67, a longtime chief meteorologist at a Boise CBS affiliate, was killed when his small plane crashed into the icy Payette River.
- Flight tracking shows the aircraft lost contact about 10:55 a.m., roughly 12 minutes after departing Emmett Airport, then struck a power line before crashing.
- A second person aboard also died, authorities did not immediately release that victim’s identity or who was piloting the plane.
- Steadham, an experienced pilot with more than 3,000 flight hours, is survived by his wife, six children and grandchildren.
EMMETT, IDAHO — Roland Steadham, 67, a longtime chief meteorologist at a Boise-based CBS affiliate, was killed Tuesday in a small-plane crash after the aircraft clipped a power line and went down on the icy Payette River near Emmett, according to local officials. A second person on board also died, and the cause of the crash remained under investigation.
Plane Lost Contact Shortly After Takeoff
Online flight tracking data showed the aircraft lost contact at about 10:55 a.m., roughly 12 minutes after departing from Emmett Airport. The Gem County Sheriff’s Office reported preliminary information indicating the plane struck a power line before crashing onto ice in the river.
Second Fatality, Investigation Continues
The identity of the other person killed in the crash was not immediately released. Officials also had not provided additional details about who was piloting the plane at the time of impact.
Recovery efforts were underway in freezing conditions as investigators worked the scene.
Career Spanned Multiple Markets
Steadham was known in Idaho for his work in broadcast meteorology and his connection to aviation. Reports described him as an experienced pilot who operated a small aircraft in the Emmett area and had logged more than 3,000 flight hours.
He previously worked in multiple television markets before joining the Boise station, including stops in Miami and Salt Lake City.
Family and Community Remember Him
Steadham was survived by his wife, six children, and grandchildren, according to reports. Viewers and community members shared tributes online following confirmation of his death.
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