Fatal Payette River Plane Crash Claims Two Lives, Including CBS 2 Chief Meteorologist

Roland Steadham, CBS 2 Boise's Chief Meteorologist, was tragically one of the individuals involved in the plane crash that occurred in the Payette River this week, as confirmed by the station. The crash, involving an aircraft registered to Northwest Registered Agent LLC, happened when the plane hit a power line before coming down on an icy section of the river in the Black Canyon area. Emergency responders from the Gem County Sheriff's Office and Gem County Fire & EMS quickly arrived at the scene near the jet ski park turnout on the Payette River. Upon arrival, they found that two male passengers, including Steadham, had lost their lives in the crash, but the identity of the other victim has not yet been disclosed. Over his accomplished 35-year career in meteorology, Steadham served various communities in states like Florida, Utah, and Idaho. With a passion for flying, he amassed over 3,000 hours in the sky as a pilot. Steadham was a graduate of Brigham Young University and the University of Utah, later obtaining a degree from the Mississippi State Meteorology Program. He had received recognition from both the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association. Roland Steadham, who was 67 years old at the time of his passing, leaves behind his wife and six daughters. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident led by the Gem County Sheriff’s Office.