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A 47-year-old Idaho mayor has died after collapsing during a town hall Wednesday evening.
Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam suffered a “medical emergency” at regional town hall along with nearby city officials and died shortly afterward, the city government confirmed in a late-night statement.
The city asked community members to “keep family and loved ones in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
“As we begin to grieve this incredible loss, please give us grace as we navigate the loss of not only our mayor, but our friend,” the city said.
Hogaboam collapsed around 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 when 911 was called.
“Rick had to be taken care of and he received immediate support,” Pike told the station. “Good, bad or indifferent, I was the last person in his life to touch him when he passed away.”
Pike also told KTVB that it was a “tragic loss” for everyone 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 just months into his first term as mayor at the time of his death. Prior to his election as mayor, Hogaboam served as Canyon County Clerk and Nampa City Councilman.
According to to his official city biographyhe also served a brief stint in 2021 as an Idaho state senator when he stepped in to replace the position. He is described as an avid reader, baseball lover and Buffalo Bills fan.
“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 pray,” his biography reads.
Hogaboam’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences from public officials and departments across the state, including Idaho Gov. Brad Little.
“It is heartbreaking to learn of the sudden loss of Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam,” Little wrote in an article 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 not to run for reelection last year, said she was “extremely saddened” by the news of her successor’s death, according to KTVB.
“He has an amazing wife and young family that we should keep in our prayers,” Kling said. “Rick was such a smart and 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 Wednesday evening.
“Rick was a servant leader and beyond his professional life, Rick was an extraordinary father and husband,” the statement said. “Rick’s legacy will live on forever and his passion for public service and nonprofit work will never be forgotten.”
