CBS2 Meteorologist Roland Steadham dies in plane crash

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — It is with great sadness that we share that beloved CBS2 Chief Meteorologist Roland Steadham died in a plane crash on Tuesday. He and another person were on the plane when it crashed on the Payette River near Emmett.

Roland Steadham is a beloved member of this community, but no one loves him more than his family. Roland often talked about his wife, Erin, and his six children and grandchildren. In recent years, he and his family have enjoyed their time kayaking throughout Idaho and spending time together grilling food in their backyard. Roland loved to share about his six kids and his grandchildren. He talked about their accomplishments, their love for life, and the outdoors. Roland always looked forward to visits with his grandkids. All of us will remember him talking with great love for Erin. Rarely did he have a conversation without sharing about his love for his family.

Looking back at some of Roland’s work: Firebird Raceway gears up for Halloween Classic | Idaho’s Payette River offers thrilling whitewater adventure | Fly deep into Southwest Idaho to see a piece of history long forgotten | Go inside the cockpit of a wildfire air tanker | Local rancher saves cows from Paddock Fire

Roland loved his animals. It was often that his dog would accompany him to the station and watch his forecasts. He also liked to share updates with the team about his cats.

Across the Treasure Valley, Roland was widely respected as an accomplished pilot. He shared his love of flying with the community. Roland operated a small aircraft out of Emmett. It was a hobby he enjoyed and often would share stories about local pilots and their accomplishments.

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. He helped forecast in cities coast to coast, but fortunately, he made the Boise area his home. Roland trained countless Meteorologists who continue to inform the public across the country.

The thoughts and prayers from all of us at CBS2 are with Roland’s family, friends, and flying community. We also send our condolences to the family of the other person who died in the plane crash today.

Our community won’t be the same without him.