CBS 2 Chief Meteorologist Roland Steadham was killed in a private plane crash on Tuesday. KBOI-TV, the CBS affiliate for Boise, Idaho and the Treasure Valley made the announcement today.
Gem County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the jet ski park turnout on the Payette River, west of Montour in Gem County, for a report of a small plane crash on Tuesday at approximately 10:58 am. Preliminary information released by authorities indicate that a small plane clipped a power line and crashed upon the ice in the river. Two male occupants were aboard, and both were fatally injured in the crash.
The Gem County Coroner identified the second person on the plane as Dallin Laufenberg.
Federal aviation authorities are expected to conduct a full investigation into the crash, examining weather conditions, mechanical factors, and flight path data
CBS 2 Boise announced on Facebook today, “As we grieve the loss of our friend and colleague, our broken hearts go out to the Laufenberg family for their loss.”
The National Weather Service’s local office released a comment today about Steadham’s passing: “We were deeply saddened to hear of Roland’s passing. Within the National Weather Service, we often speak about an “Integrated Forecasting Warning System”—a chain that is only as strong as the partners who relay critical information to the public. Roland was a vital link in that chain. His dedication went far beyond the daily forecast. 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. We want to specifically express sincere gratitude for Roland’s years of collaboration. He didn’t just report the weather; he translated complex data into actionable safety advice for the community. His commitment to accuracy and his willingness to work hand-in-hand with our meteorologists saved lives and made our region a safer place to live. Roland’s legacy will continue to be felt in every life he helped protect.”
The CBS affiliate wrote their own tribute: “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.”
Roland Steadham was a meteorologist for more than 35 years. He spent half of his career forecasting hurricanes and severe thunderstorms in South Florida. The other half has been spent in the west with most of his time in Utah. Before jumping into his career, he started his education journey at Brigham Young University and completed his meteorological studies through Mississippi State University’s broadcast meteorology program. Prior to joining CBS, he was the Chief Meteorologist for ABC 3 in Salt Lake City and the Chief Meteorologist for Miami’s NBC 6, WTVJ-TV.
In his free time, he loved to fly; he was a commercially licensed pilot and avid skydiver, logging over 3,000 hours flying everything from competition aerobatics to twin engine jets and gliders. According to CBS, he had more than 700 skydives under his belt too. It is not yet clear if he was flying the plane involved in the crash and/or if it was a skydiving related trip.
