Beloved GOP Mayor Passes Away After Collapsing Mid-Speech

Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam, the newly elected Republican leader of Idaho’s third most populous city, died Wednesday night after collapsing mid-speech during a town hall with other mayors, according to the Treasure Valley Partnership.

Hogaboam, 47, suffered a medical emergency while speaking at the meeting, the regional coalition of mayors and county commissioners told KBOI. Eagle Mayor Brad Pike, a former firefighter who was seated next to Hogaboam, immediately began CPR as staff called 911.

Paramedics, police and firefighters rushed to the scene, but Hogaboam could not be saved. The cause of the medical emergency remains under investigation.

Caldwell Mayor Eric Philips also required medical attention outside the town hall and was transported away by medics, according to reports.

“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.

Hogaboam, a father of five, was sworn in as Nampa’s mayor on Jan. 5 after winning the November election with 62.9% of the vote. He had long served Nampa and Canyon County in public roles, including as chief of staff to former Mayor Debbie Kling.

Before becoming mayor, Hogaboam served as Canyon County clerk, a Nampa councilman and chair for District 3 of the Idaho Association of Counties. He also had a brief stint as a substitute Idaho state senator.

The city of Nampa asked residents to keep Hogaboam’s family in their prayers.

“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 said.

Hogaboam is survived by his wife, Mimi, five children and one grandchild. The report noted he was the “sole provider” for his family.

The Treasure Valley Partnership said its members were “heartbroken” by the sudden loss.

“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.”

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Former Mayor Debbie Kling also praised Hogaboam, calling him a “smart, talented leader, who will be greatly missed,” and said she was praying for his “amazing wife and young family.”

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