Rick Hogaboam, the newly elected mayor of Nampa, Idaho, collapsed and died Wednesday during a regional mayors’ gathering at Eagle City Hall.
Hogaboam, 47, suffered a medical emergency at approximately 6:45 p.m. while answering a question at the meeting. Eagle Mayor Brad Pike administered CPR until paramedics arrived and took over care.
“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.
Witnesses and Medical Response
Caldwell Mayor Eric Philips was also present at the gathering and witnessed the collapse. Philips later required medical attention after experiencing chest pain and dizziness following the incident.
“From him to go to answering a question, to gone… I started getting a chest pain, got dizzy and laid down,” Philips said. “Next thing medics were checking on me and taking vitals.”
The cause of Hogaboam’s death remains under investigation, with officials declining to release additional medical details at this time.
Brief Tenure and Legacy
Hogaboam was sworn in as mayor on January 5 after winning 62.9% of the vote, making his time in office 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.
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 grandfather of one.
Community and Official Tributes
Governor 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.”
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 describing Hogaboam as a servant leader. “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.
This story has been updated. CNN’s staff contributed to this report.
