US Mayor Dies After Suddenly Collapsing At Meeting

Nampa, Idaho, is mourning the sudden loss of Mayor Rick Hogaboam, who passed away after experiencing a medical emergency while speaking at a town hall on March 18. The incident occurred around 6:45 p.m., according to a statement from the Treasure Valley Partnership (TVP), a coalition of regional mayors and county commissioners.

The town hall, the coalition’s second regional meeting, was held at Eagle City Hall. Hogaboam collapsed midway through his address after slurring his speech, witnesses reported. Eagle Mayor Brad Pike, who has a background in combat sports, was seated beside Hogaboam and immediately began performing CPR.

TVP staff quickly alerted law enforcement, and the meeting was suspended as the room was cleared. Eagle Police, Fire Departments, and Ada County EMS arrived on the scene and took over Hogaboam’s care. First responders worked for approximately an hour before the city confirmed his death at 8:40 p.m., the Idaho State Journal reported.

In a statement, the TVP expressed condolences, highlighting Hogaboam’s dedication to public service. “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 devoted family man, and a true friend,” the group said. They added, “Our prayers are with Rick’s family and the Nampa community at this time.”

The City of Nampa echoed these sentiments in its public statement, asking the community to support Hogaboam’s family during this difficult period. “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. 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 read.

Hogaboam, 47, is survived by his wife, five children, and a grandchild. Officials have not yet disclosed a cause of death.

He was elected Nampa’s 31st mayor in November and was sworn into office on January 5, according to the Idaho Statesman. Idaho law directs the city council to appoint a replacement, either from within the council or from outside, to serve until the next election when a mayoral vacancy occurs due to death.

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