Mayor Rick Hogaboam of Nampa, Idaho, died after experiencing a health emergency while speaking at a town hall event March 18 at approximately 6:45 p.m., according to a Treasure Valley Partnership (TVP) press release.
The TVP, a regional coalition of mayors and county commissioners, was holding its second regional town hall March 18 at Eagle City Hall, according to a press release shared with the Daily Caller. Hogaboam suffered a health emergency while speaking midway through the event.
Eagle Mayor Brad Pike, a former fighter, stepped in to administer CPR, according to the TVP. Pike was sitting to Hogaboam’s right when the incident occurred. Hogaboam reportedly started slurring his speech and then collapsed, according to the Idaho State Journal.
TVP staffers contacted law enforcement, and the coalition adjourned the meeting, clearing the room before Eagle Police and Fire Departments and Ada County EMS responded to the scene and took over care of Hogaboam, according to the TVP. First responders cared for Hogaboam for around an hour before the city revealed his passing at 8:40 p.m., the Idaho State Journal reported. (RELATED: REPORT: 1 Dead, 1 Injured In Alleged Shooting At New Mexico Air Force Base)
The TVP addressed his death in a statement. “On behalf of every mayor and county commissioner in our Partnership, and of our citizens, we are heartbroken to have lost one of our esteemed colleagues. Rick Hogaboam was an exemplary public servant, a dedicated family man, and a true friend,” they said, commending him for his service to the City of Nampa.
“Our prayers are with Rick’s family and the Nampa community at this time,” the group said.
The Mayor Office responded to the Caller by referring to the City of Nampa government’s public statement. “It is with deepest sadness that we must report Mayor Rick Hogaboam experienced a medical emergency on the evening of March 18 and has passed away. We ask the community to please keep his family and loved ones in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” they wrote.
“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 statement continued.
Hogaboam, 47, leaves behind his wife, five children, and a grandchild, according to the Idaho State Journal. Officials have not released a cause of death as of publication.
Voters elected Hogaboam as Nampa’s 31st mayor in November, and he took the oath of office on Jan. 5, according to the Idaho Statesman.
Under Idaho State Code, when a vacancy in a mayoral seat occurs due to death, the city council is instructed to appoint someone either on or outside of the council to fulfill the role until the next election.