Weatherman Dies in Tragic Plane Crash

Veteran TV weatherman Roland Steadham, 67, died Tuesday morning when his aircraft clipped a power line and crashed into the Payette River in Idaho. Steadham was piloting the aircraft with a passenger when the accident occurred just before 11 a.m. Both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. The plane had reportedly lost contact with air traffic control ten minutes after departing from Emmet Airport.

Steadham, who had a 35-year career in meteorology across South Florida, Utah, and Idaho, was remembered by colleagues for his passion for weather, family, and flying. He leaves behind his wife, Erin, six children, and grandchildren. His wife had previously battled and overcome breast cancer, an experience they shared publicly.

The tragic crash led to a widespread power outage in Gem County, impacting more than 5,300 customers. Steadham had recently encouraged aviation students to pursue their dreams in flight just a week prior to the fatal incident. He was known for his adventurous spirit, enjoying activities like skydiving and kayaking.