Idaho Meteorologist Dies in Plane Crash

Roland Steadham, longtime chief meteorologist at CBS2 News Boise, was killed when his small plane crashed into the Payette River.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:47pm

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Roland Steadham, the longtime chief meteorologist at CBS2 News Boise, was one of two people killed when a small plane crashed into the Payette River near Black Canyon on Tuesday morning. Authorities say the aircraft went down after striking a power line and plunging into the icy water. Steadham was an avid pilot and skydiver with over 3,000 flight hours and 700 jumps, and he often incorporated his passion for aviation into his weather reporting.

Why it matters

Steadham was a fixture in the Boise community, delivering weather forecasts for over 30 years and serving as a vital link in relaying important weather warnings to the public. His death is a significant loss for the local community and the broader weather reporting community.

The details

The plane crash occurred around 11am on Tuesday when the aircraft struck a power line and crashed into the Payette River. Steadham and one other unidentified person on board were killed. Steadham was known for his expertise in weather forecasting and his ability to translate complex data into actionable safety advice for the community.

  • The plane crash occurred around 11am on Tuesday, January 29, 2026.
  • Steadham had been the chief meteorologist at CBS2 News Boise for over 30 years.

The players

Roland Steadham

The longtime chief meteorologist at CBS2 News Boise, known for his expertise in weather forecasting and his ability to translate complex data into actionable safety advice for the community.

CBS2 News Boise

The television station where Steadham worked as the chief meteorologist for over 30 years.

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What they’re saying

“The thoughts and prayers from all of us at CBS2 are with Roland's family, friends, and flying community.”

— CBS2 News Boise

“Steadham guided people through storm after storm in Idaho. He loved to study the weather and shared it with people across Idaho.”

— CBS2 News Boise

“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.”

— CBS2 News Boise

“He was a steadfast advocate for weather safety, a calm voice during the storm, and a true professional who shared our mission to protect life and property.”

— National Weather Service

What’s next

The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the cause of the plane crash.

The takeaway

Steadham's death is a significant loss for the Boise community and the broader weather reporting community. He was known for his expertise, passion, and ability to translate complex weather data into actionable safety advice for the public.