Rick Hogaboam, Idaho’s newly elected mayor of Nampa, died Wednesday after suffering a medical emergency during a regional mayors gathering at Eagle City Hall.
Hogaboam, 47, collapsed while answering a question at approximately 6:45 p.m. Emergency responders arrived quickly, and Eagle Mayor Brad Pike administered CPR until paramedics took over. The cause of death remains under investigation, and officials have not released additional medical details.
“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 added.
Emergency Response and Witness Account
Caldwell Mayor Eric Philips was present during the incident and subsequently required medical attention after experiencing symptoms. “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’s Brief Tenure
Hogaboam had been sworn in as mayor on January 5 after winning 62.9% of the vote. His time in office lasted only a few months before his death.
Before becoming mayor, Hogaboam served as Canyon County clerk, on the Nampa City Council, and briefly in the Idaho State Senate in 2021. He was a father of five and a grandfather of one.
Succession and Public Response
City Council President David Bills has assumed the role of acting mayor while officials determine the process for appointing an interim replacement. A special election is expected later this year.
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 added.
Former Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling also paid tribute. “Rick was such a talented, smart leader who served with integrity and a servant’s heart,” Kling said.
The Caldwell Police Department released a statement saying, “Rick was a servant leader and beyond his professional life, Rick was an amazing father and husband.” The department continued, “Rick’s legacy will live forever and his passion for public service and non-profit work will never be forgotten.”
The Treasure Valley Partnership described Hogaboam as “an exemplary public servant, a dedicated family man, and a true friend.”
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.
This story has been updated. CNN’s staff contributed to this report.
