The newly elected mayor of a city in Idaho tragically passed away after collapsing during a town hall meeting with fellow mayors.
Rick Hogaboam, the 47-year-old Mayor of Nampa, experienced a medical crisis while delivering his speech on Wednesday evening.
A former firefighter, who was also a mayor attending the event and seated nearby, quickly responded by performing CPR as emergency services were contacted.
Despite the swift arrival of paramedics, police, and firefighters at the scene, efforts to save him were unsuccessful. The specific cause of his sudden health issue is still being investigated.
Hogaboam, a Republican and father of five, had been inaugurated as mayor on January 5, following his victory in the November election where he secured 62.9 percent of the vote.
His long-standing dedication to the Nampa community was evident through his roles, including serving as Chief of Staff to the former Mayor Debbie Kling.
He previously served as the Canyon County Clerk, a Nampa Councilman, the chair for District 3 of the Idaho Association of Counties and had a brief stint as a substitute Idaho State Senator.
Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam, 47, suffered a medical emergency and died during a town hall with other Idaho mayors on Wednesday evening
The newly-elected mayor, seen with his family, is survived by his wife Mimi, five children and one grandchild
Hogaboam, seen holding his granddaughter, celebrated his first Father’s Day as a grandfather in June 2025
Caldwell Mayor Eric Philips was also received medical treatment outside the town hall and was transported away by medics.
‘I’m heartbroken and devastated. 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,’ Philips told KTVB.
‘I have a very heavy heart tonight,’ he added.
The city of Nampa has asked the community to keep Hogaboam’s ‘family and loved ones in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time.’
‘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,’ city officials added.
Hogaboam is survived by his wife Mimi, five children and one grandchild. The mayor was reportedly the ‘sole provider’ in his family.
The TVP has issued its condolences to the Hogaboam family, with its members praising the Nampa mayor’s commitment to his constituents.
‘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,’ the coalition said in a statement. ‘Rick Hogaboam was an exemplary public servant, a dedicated family man, and a true friend.’
Hogaboam, seen with his wife Mimi, was sworn in as mayor on January 5 this year after winning the November election with 62.9 percent of the vote
Hogaboam has served the city of Nampa and Canyon County for many years, including as Chief of Staff for his predecessor Mayor Debbie Kling. He previously served as the Canyon County Clerk, a Nampa Councilman, the chair for District 3 of the Idaho Association of Counties and had a brief stint as a substitute Idaho State Senator
‘Our prayers are with Rick’s family and the Nampa community at this time,’ the TVP added.
Kling also paid tribute to her successor, whom she said was a ‘smart, talented leader, who will be greatly missed.’
The former mayor is ‘extremely grieved’ by his death and has offered her prayers to Hogaboam’s ‘amazing wife and young family.’
The Daily Mail has approached the TVP and city of Nampa for comment.
