Rick Hogaboam, the newly elected mayor of Nampa, Idaho, died Wednesday after collapsing during a town hall meeting. He was 47. Hogaboam was answering a question at a regional gathering of mayors at Eagle City Hall when he suffered a medical emergency at approximately 6:45 p.m., according to local reports.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, and Eagle Mayor Brad Pike administered CPR until paramedics took over, NBC News reported.
“The need was to take care of Rick and he got immediate support,” Pike said. “Good, bad or indifferent, I was the last person in his life that was touching him when he passed,” he said.
The cause of death remains under investigation. Officials have not released additional medical details.
Caldwell Mayor Eric Philips was also present and witnessed the incident. He later required medical attention and was transported by paramedics after experiencing symptoms following the collapse.
“I’m heartbroken and devastated,” Philips said. “From him to go to answering a question, to gone… I started getting a chest pain, got dizzy and laid down. Next thing medics were checking on me and taking vitals,” he said.
Hogaboam had been sworn in as mayor on Jan. 5 after winning 62.9% of the vote. His time in office lasted only a few months.
City Council President David Bills has assumed the role of acting mayor while officials determine the process for appointing an interim replacement ahead of a special election expected later this year.
Before becoming mayor, Hogaboam served as Canyon County clerk and as a member of the Nampa City Council. He also briefly served in the Idaho State Senate in 2021.
Hogaboam was a father of five and a grandfather of one. His official biography described him as committed to building a community “where citizens are proud to live, work, eat, play, and worship.”
Public officials across Idaho expressed condolences following news of his death. Gov. Brad Little called the loss “heartbreaking.”
“Rick served with a real heart for public service and dedication to the community,” Little said. “His family, city staff, and the Nampa community are in my prayers,” he said.
Former Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling also paid tribute. “I am deeply grieved and saddened to hear of the passing of Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam,” Kling said. “Rick was such a talented, smart leader who served with integrity and a servant’s heart,” she said.
The Treasure Valley Partnership described Hogaboam as “an exemplary public servant, a dedicated family man, and a true friend.” Local law enforcement agencies echoed similar sentiments, calling him a pillar of the community.
“Rick was a servant leader and beyond his professional life, Rick was an amazing father and husband,” the Caldwell Police Department said. “Rick’s legacy will live forever and his passion for public service and non-profit work will never be forgotten,” the department said.
City officials asked the public for patience as the community processes the sudden loss. “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 of Nampa said in a statement.
President Donald Trump’s White House responded on Wednesday to reports that he’s souring on Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard after the sudden resignation of Joe Kent, the now-former director of the National Counterterrorism Center. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt quashed those reports in remarks to Fox News.