Yesterday, in FTVLive’s free newsletter, we wrote about the death of Roland Steadham.

Here was our newsletter entry.

Remembering Roland Steadham

We have some very sad news to report out of Idaho.

KBOI Chief Meteorologist Roland Steadham was killed yesterday in a plane crash. The station says that Steadham and another person were on the plane when it went down on the Payette River near Emmett.

I had the chance to work with Roland years ago when we were both at WSVN in Miami. To be honest, during our time in South Florida, we had very little interaction. We worked down the hall from one another, caught up in the daily grind of a major market newsroom, and rarely had the chance to really talk.

It is funny how life works.

While we barely spoke when we worked in the same building, Roland became a longtime reader of FTVLive, and over the years, we emailed and messaged each other often. It’s strange to think that we communicated more while living thousands of miles apart than we ever did when we were just feet away from each other.

One bond we shared was a deep love for animals. Roland loved his pets, and the station mentioned that he would often bring his dog to the station to sit and watch his forecasts. He also loved to update the team on his cats. If you know me, you know that is the kind of guy I can relate to.

Roland was a good guy who found a great life in a smaller market. In this industry, we are often conditioned to believe that "bigger is better" and that if you aren't in a Top 10 market, you haven't made it. Roland proved that you can find true happiness and a fulfilling career outside the hustle and pressure of a city like Miami. He found peace in Idaho, kayaking with his family, grilling in the backyard, and flying his plane.

He leaves behind his wife, Erin, six children, and his grandchildren, whom he adored.

Roland Steadham was a reminder that this business is about people, not just market size. He will be missed.

Our thoughts are with his family and the staff at KBOI.