Former chief meteorologist at WTVJ-NBC6 and WPLG in South Florida, Roland Steadham, was killed in a small plane crash in Idaho this past Tuesday. Gem County Sheriff's deputies responded to the scene near Boise alongside the Payette River. NBC Miami reported that the accident is believed to have occurred after the plane clipped a power line before crashing on ice over the river.
Officials indicated two male occupants, including Steadham, were fatally injured in the tragedy. KBOI-TV in Idaho, where Steadham served as chief meteorologist and an avid pilot, identified him as one of the victims. His background a skilled meterologist and his love for aviation were well-known, as he previously worked in various other cities and served the South Florida community faithfully. According to the statement obtained by Local 10 News, Steadham spent just over a year at WPLG from 2013 to 2014, working weekend mornings.
Steadham had a longstanding career in meteorology, stretching back to his tenure at WTVJ from 1996 to 2006 where he played a pivotal role as their chief meteorologist. He brought his passion for the skies into his personal life as well – being a commercially licensed pilot and a skydiver. Steadham's death leaves a gap not only in the meteorological community but also within his own family; Steadham is survived by his wife, six children, and grandchildren, a testament to the legacy he leaves behind, as echoed by his station bio and NBC Miami.
