A 47-year-old Idaho mayor died after collapsing on his way to a town hall Wednesday night.
Nampa Mayor Rick Hogabom suffered a “medical emergency” at a regional town hall with neighboring city officials and died a short time later, city government confirmed in a statement late that night.
The city asked that people in the community “keep his family and loved ones in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
“As we begin to grieve this incredible loss, please provide grace as we navigate the loss of not only our mayor, but our friend,” the city said.
According to NBC News affiliate KTVB, Hoagbohm collapsed at Eagle City Hall around 6:45 p.m. Wednesday. A man by his side, Eagle Mayor Brad Pike, performed CPR on Hoagbohm as he called 911.
“It was necessary to take care of Rick and he received immediate support,” Pike told the station. “Good, bad or indifferent, I was the last person in his life who touched him when he passed.”
Pike told KTVB that it’s a “tragic loss” for everyone who had the opportunity to work with Hoagbohm, and his own focus is on Hoagbohm’s family.
City Council President David Bills is serving as interim mayor and may appoint an interim mayor to fill the position between now and the election of a new mayor in November, KTVB reported.
Hogabohm was sworn in on January 5 and was just months into his first term as mayor at the time of his death. Before being elected mayor, Hogabom served as Canyon County Clerk and Nampa City Councilman.
According to his official city biography, he had a brief stint as an Idaho state senator in 2021 when he stepped down as a surrogate for a job. He is described as an avid reader, baseball lover and Buffalo Bills fan.
“A husband, father and grandfather, Hoagbohm is committed to a vision for Nampa where families thrive in a community where citizens are proud to live, work, eat, play and worship,” his biography said.
Hogabohm’s death was mourned by public officials and departments across the state, including Idaho Governor Brad Little.
“Heartbreaking to hear of the sudden loss of Nampa Mayor Rick Hogabom,” Little wrote in a post on X. “Rick served with a true heart for public service and dedication to the community. His family, city staff and the Nampa community are in my prayers.”
Former Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling, who decided against running for re-election last year, said she was “deeply saddened” to hear of her successor’s death, according to KTVB.
“He has a wonderful wife and young family that we should keep in our prayers,” Kling said. “Rick was such a wise, talented leader who will be greatly missed.”
The Caldwell Police Department described Hogabom in a Facebook post Wednesday night as a “pillar of the community” who dedicated his life to service.
“Rick is a servant leader and beyond his professional life, Rick is a wonderful father and husband,” the statement said. “Rick’s legacy will live on forever and his passion for public service and nonprofit work will never be forgotten.”
