Nampa Mayor Rick Hogabaum died Wednesday evening after collapsing mid-speech during a town hall meeting in nearby Eagle, according to the New York Post. The 47-year-old suffered a medical emergency around 6:45 p.m. while addressing a Treasure Valley Partnership gathering. Brad Pike, who was sitting next to him, immediately began CPR before emergency responders arrived. Despite the efforts of police, firefighters and physicians, Hogaboam could not be revived. He died suddenly just two months after being sworn in as the 31st mayor of Nampa after winning the election with a landslide in November. The cause of death has not been confirmed yet. Hogaboam moved to Idaho from Western New York in 2008 and has had a long career in public service. He previously served as a city councilman, a substitute state senator and Canyon County clerk, and was also chief of staff to former Mayor Debbie Kling. Tributes poured in from across the state, with officials calling his death an “incredible loss”. Leaders remembered him as a dedicated public servant and a compassionate man committed to the development and future of his community. Just hours before the incident, Hogaboam had attended a training session with the Nampa Fire Department, and commented on the “beautiful day”. He is survived by his wife, five children and a grandson. City officials are expected to appoint an interim successor before the next scheduled mayoral election.
