A 47-year-old Idaho mayor died after collapsing during a town hall on Wednesday evening.
Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam suffered a “medical emergency” at the regional town hall with neighboring city officials and died shortly after, the city’s government confirmed in a statement late that night.
The city asked that people in the community “keep his family and loved ones in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
“As we begin to mourn this unbelievable loss, please provide grace while we navigate the loss of not only our Mayor, but also our friend,” the city said.
Hogaboam collapsed at about 6:45 p.m. at Eagle City Hall, according to NBC News affiliate KTVB. A man next to him, Eagle Mayor Brad Pike, administered CPR to Hogaboam as 911 was called.
“The need was to take care of Rick and he got immediate support,” Pike told the station. “Good, bad or indifferent, I was the last person in his life that was touching him when he passed.”
Pike also told KTVB that it was a “tragic loss” to all who had the opportunity to work with Hogaboam and that his own focus was on Hogaboam’s family.
City Council President David Bills is serving as acting mayor until an interim mayor can be appointed to fill the position between now and a new mayoral election in November, KTVB reported.
Hogaboam was sworn in on Jan. 5 and was only a few months into his first term as mayor at the time of his death. Prior to his election as mayor, Hogaboam served as a Canyon County clerk and Nampa city councilman.
According to his official city biography, he also had a brief stint in 2021 as an Idaho state senator when he stepped in as a substitute for the job. He’s described as an avid reader, a lover of baseball, and a Buffalo Bills fan.
“A husband, father, and grandfather, Hogaboam is committed to a vision for Nampa where families thrive in a community where citizens are proud to live, work, eat, play, and worship,” his biography reads.
Hogaboam’s death was met with an outpouring of condolences by public officials and departments across the state, including Idaho Gov. Brad Little.
“Heartbreaking to hear of the sudden loss of Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam,” Little wrote in a post on X. “Rick served with a real heart for public service and dedication to the community. His family, city staff, and the Nampa community are in my prayers.”
Former Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling, who decided against running for re-election last year, said she was “extremely grieved” to hear of her successor’s death, according to KTVB.
“He has an amazing wife and young family, who we need to keep in our prayers,” Kling said. “Rick was such a smart, talented leader, who will be greatly missed.”
The Caldwell Police Department described Hogaboam as a “pillar of the community” who dedicated his life to service in a Facebook post on Wednesday night.
“Rick was a servant leader and beyond his professional life, Rick was an amazing father and husband,” the statement said. “Rick’s legacy will live forever and his passion for public service and non-profit work will never be forgotten.”
