Tragic Plane Crash Claims Life of Veteran Meteorologist

Roland Stedham, a well-known CBS meteorologist, tragically lost his life in a plane crash in rural Idaho. The incident occurred when his aircraft became entangled in power lines and ultimately plunged into a freezing river.

Stedham, 67, served as the chief meteorologist for the Boise-based CBS affiliate CBS2 and was among two fatalities in the crash that took place on Tuesday in the Payette River near Emmett, Idaho.

Flight data revealed that the plane lost contact just 12 minutes after departing from Emmett Airport at 10:55 a.m.

“Preliminary reports indicate that a small plane became lodged in a power line and subsequently crashed into river ice,” the Gem County Sheriff’s Office commented in their statement posted online.

Rescue teams were seen launching a boat into the frigid waters, as reported by local news sources.

Details regarding the other individual on board have not been released, and information about the plane’s model, registered with Northwest Registered Agents LLC, remains limited.

Stedham was recognized as an accomplished pilot who had logged over 3,000 flight hours, flying small aircraft for the Emmett Company. CBS2 shared the news of his passing in a touching article.

The circumstances surrounding whether he was the pilot at the time of the crash remain uncertain.

Just one week prior to the accident, Stedham visited a class at the Payette River Regional Technical Academy in Emmett, where he expressed his passion for aviation. “The last thing he said before leaving the classroom was, ‘I’ve enjoyed flying for years…it’s been very good to me…and I wholeheartedly encourage you to pursue aviation,'” recalled teacher Jim Baker.

In addition to piloting, Stedham was an enthusiastic skydiver and had obtained degrees from both Brigham Young University and the University of Utah.

Over his career, he held chief meteorologist positions at several stations, including WTVJ in Miami and KUTV and KTVX in Salt Lake City, before landing at CBS2 in Boise.

Many viewers expressed their shock and sorrow on social media, with one individual recalling fond moments shared with Stedham at a local McDonald’s, highlighting his generosity in sharing insights about weather and aviation.

Another person offered condolences, stating, “God bless Roland’s family! We lost a beautiful person today doing what he loved.”

Stedham leaves behind his wife, six children, and several grandchildren.

The Gem County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that the investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.