Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam, newly elected Idaho local mayor dies after medical emergency during town hall meeting in Eagle. Cause of death of former firefighter unknown.
A newly elected Idaho mayor died after he collapsed mid-speech during a town hall meeting in Eagle, while experiencing an unspecified medical emergency.
Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam was addressing a gathered audience with other officials when he suddenly collapsed around 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, according to Idaho News.
Eagle Mayor Brad Pike, who was sitting next to the 47-year-old politician, rushed to administer CPR.
Nampa Mayor was speaking during political event at Eage town hall when he underwent health emergency
At the time of the incident, Hogaboam was addressing attendees during an event organized by Treasure Valley Partnership, with a goal to discuss growth issues in the area. The town hall meeting was adjourned as the politician was being treated by cops, fire crews and medics who had rushed to the scene.
Life-saving efforts were unsuccessful and Hogaboam died. The newly elected mayor’s death comes just over two months after being sworn in as mayor of Nampa, located west of Boise.
Hogaboam prevailed in November’s election with 62.86 percent of the vote, defeating 3 rivals and becoming Nampa’s 31st mayor in the process.
Known for his love of the Buffalo Bills, Hogaboam moved from western NY to Nampa in 2008. He later served as chief of staff to former Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling, his predecessor, for almost 4 years.
He had previously served as a city councilman, a substitute Idaho state senator, and the Canyon County clerk where he was responsible for the county’s budget and elections.
Hogaboam took a constituent-first approach to his service as mayor. He told BoiseDev last summer that he took an approach that ‘the people are our boss.’
Hogaboam’s office has described his death as an ‘unbelievable loss’ while the Idaho House Republicans described him as someone who was ‘more than a public servant.’
‘He was a steady hand, a thoughtful leader, and a friend who genuinely cared about the future of the community,’ they said.
‘His dedication to strengthening Nampa, supporting families and fostering thoughtful growth will leave a lasting impact for generations to come.’
The Idaho GOP also paid tribute to Hogaboam, saying he was ‘everything we want our political leaders to be,’ while Phil McGrane, the Idaho Secretary of State, said he was left ‘heartbroken.’
‘Beyond just doing our jobs, we shared a love for voting, elections, and politics,’ McGrane said.
Hours before his death, Hogaboam attended a training session with the Nampa Fire Department, saying he was mesmerized by the ‘beautiful day.’
Hogaboam’s cause of death remains unknown. It remained unclear what underlying health conditions, Pike who was a former firefighter may have had.
The official leaves behind his wife Mimi, five children and a grandchild, according to the Idaho State Journal.
According to Idaho State Code, when there’s a vacancy in a mayoral seat due to a death, the city council is instructed to appoint someone to serve in the position until the next election.
