Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam collapsed and died Wednesday night during a speech at a town hall meeting in nearby Eagle, the New York Post reported. The 47-year-old suffered a medical emergency while speaking at a gathering of Treasure Valley partners around 6:45 p.m. Brad Pike, who was sitting next to him, immediately began CPR before emergency responders arrived. Despite the efforts of police, firefighters and medical personnel, Hogaboom was not revived. His sudden death came more than two months after he was sworn in as Nampa’s 31st mayor, a November election he won overwhelmingly. The cause of death has not yet been determined. Hogaboom moved to Idaho from Western New York in 2008 and went on to build a long career in public service. He has served as a city councilman, acting state senator and Canyon County clerk, and as chief of staff to former Mayor Debbie Crean. Tributes poured in from across the state, with officials calling his death an “incredible loss.” Leaders remember him as a dedicated public servant and a compassionate figure committed to the development and future of his community. Just hours before the incident, Hogaboom attended a training session with the Nampa Fire Department and described it as “a great day.” He is survived by his wife, five children and a grandson. City officials are expected to name an interim successor before the next mayoral election.
