CBS2 Idaho’s beloved chief meteorologist Roland Steadham died in a plane crash on Tuesday.
CBS 2 reports Stedham was one of two people killed when the small plane he was traveling in crashed into the Payette River in Black Canyon.
“Roland Stedham was a beloved member of this community, but no one loved him more than his family,” a statement on the CBS 2 website reads. “Roland often talked about his wife Erin and his six children and grandchildren. In recent years, he and his family kayaked in Idaho and grilled food together in the backyard. Rowland loved sharing his six children and grandchildren. He talked about their accomplishments, love of life and the outdoors.”
The station added that Stedham also liked to talk about his visits with his grandchildren and his love of animals.
The Gem County Sheriff’s Office said the accident occurred around 11 a.m. when the plan cut a power line and fell into the river, KTVB7 reported. According to reports, Stedham has been working as a meteorologist for more than three decades.
“Throughout the Treasure Valley, Rowland was widely respected as an accomplished pilot,” a CBS 2 statement read. “He shared his love of flying with the community. Rowland operated a small aircraft in Emmett. It was a hobby of his and he often shared stories about local pilots and their accomplishments.
“Over the past decade, Roland Stidham has led Idahoans through one storm after another,” it continued. “He loved studying weather and sharing it with people across Idaho. Rowland’s excitement for weather was contagious. He helped cities across the country with their forecasts, but fortunately he made the Boise area his home. Rowland trained countless meteorologists who continue to provide information to the public across the country.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at CBS2 are with Roland’s family, friends and the flying community. We also extend our condolences to the family of another person who died in a plane crash today. Our community will not be the same without him.”
Read the original article at pennlive.com.