Tragic Plane Crash Claims Life of Idaho Meteorologist

A veteran weather forecaster was killed earlier this week in a small plane crash in Idaho.

On January 27, CBS affiliates reported that Chief Meteorologist Roland Stedham had been identified among the deceased after a two-person crash near Emmett, Idaho. A local station confirmed the news.

Stedham had been a trusted voice in weather forecasting for the past decade, guiding Idahoans through numerous storms. “He was passionate about studying weather patterns and sharing that knowledge with people across the state,” the agency shared. His enthusiasm for meteorology was known to be infectious.

The unfortunate incident occurred on Tuesday morning when his aircraft reportedly became entangled in a power line before plunging into the icy Payette River.

Local authorities received word of the crash at 10:58 a.m., and preliminary findings indicated that both individuals in the plane suffered fatal injuries. However, the identity of the pilot has not been disclosed.

At 67 years old, Stedham was a loving husband, father of six, and a grandfather. He was frequently mentioned talking affectionately about his family, enjoying time spent together kayaking in Idaho or grilling in the backyard.

His passion extended beyond weather; Stedham also owned a small plane, which he often flew for leisure. “He loved aviation and frequently shared stories about local pilots and their adventures,” the reports stated.

He studied at the University of Utah and Brigham Young University, eventually launching his meteorology career in 1995. The Federal Aviation Administration has stated that it will conduct an investigation into the crash, alongside the National Transportation Safety Board, which will lead the inquiry. Updates will be provided as they become available.