Roland Steadham, a veteran television meteorologist who once guided South Florida viewers through hurricanes on WSVN-

Roland Steadham, a veteran television meteorologist who once guided South Florida viewers through hurricanes on WSVN-Channel 7, WTVJ-NBC 6, and WPLG Local 10, has died in a plane crash in Idaho. He was 67 years old. The accident occurred Tuesday morning, January 27, 2026, when his aircraft struck a power line and crashed into the icy Payette River near Emmett, Idaho.

Veteran Meteorologist’s Career

South Florida Legacy: Steadham was a familiar face to Miami audiences in the 1980s and 1990s, delivering forecasts and hurricane coverage for three major stations: WSVN-Channel 7, WTVJ-NBC 6, and WPLG Local 10.

National Career: After leaving Florida, he worked in Utah at ABC4 and KUTV, before moving to Boise, Idaho, where he became Chief Meteorologist at CBS affiliate KBOI-TV.

Aviation Enthusiast: Steadham was a commercially licensed pilot and avid skydiver, combining his passion for aviation with his broadcasting career.

Details of the Accident

Date & Time: The crash occurred Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at approximately 10:58 a.m. local time.

Location: The aircraft went down on the Payette River near Emmett, Idaho, after clipping a power line.

Aircraft: Reports identify the plane as a CubCrafters Carbon Cub, which Steadham had been flying as part of a promotional program.

Fatalities: Both occupants of the plane died. Steadham was confirmed as one victim, while the second passenger was later identified as Dallin Laufenberg of Meridian, Idaho.

Impact: The crash caused a local power outage due to the severed line.

Community Reaction

KBOI-TV Statement: “During the last decade, Roland Steadham guided Idahoans through storm after storm. He loved studying the weather and sharing his knowledge with the community,” the station said in its obituary.

Colleague Tributes: Former coworkers in Utah and Florida remembered him as a mentor and trusted voice during severe weather events.

Family: Steadham is survived by his wife and six daughters.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail Information

Name Roland Steadham

Age 67

Date of Death January 27, 2026

Cause Plane crash after clipping power line

Location Payette River near Emmett, Idaho

Occupants 2 (both deceased)

Other Victim Dallin Laufenberg, Meridian, Idaho

Career WSVN, WTVJ, WPLG (Miami); ABC4, KUTV (Utah); KBOI (Boise)

Family Survived by wife and six daughters

Steadham’s death marks the loss of a trusted meteorologist who shaped weather coverage in Miami and later became a beloved figure in Idaho. His career spanned more than three decades, and his passion for both meteorology and aviation defined his life.

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