Idaho’s 47-year-old mayor died after collapsing while at city hall Wednesday evening.
Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam suffered an “emergency” at the county town hall with officials from a neighboring town and died a short time later, the town government confirmed in a statement that evening.
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 mourn this incredible loss, please give us grace as we face the loss of not only our Mayor, but also our friend,” the city said.
Hogabowamu collapsed around 6:45 pm at Eagle City Hall, according to NBC News affiliate KTVB. The man next to him, Eagle Mayor Brad Pike, administered CPR on Hogaboam as 911 was called.
“The need was to take care of Rick and he got immediate support,” Pike told the station. “Good, bad or it doesn’t matter, I was the last person in his life who touched him when he passed.”
Pike also told KTVB that it was a “sad loss” for all who had the opportunity to work with Hogabowamu and that his focus was on Hogabowamu’s family.
City Council President David Bills is serving as acting mayor until an interim mayor is appointed to fill the position between now and the new mayoral election in November, KTVB reported.
Hogabowamu was sworn in on Jan. 5 and was only a few months into his first term as mayor when he died. Prior to his election as mayor, Hogaboam served as Canyon County clerk and Nampa city councilman.
According to his official city history, he also had a short stint in 2021 as an Idaho state senator when he took office. He is described as an avid reader, baseball enthusiast and Buffalo Bills fan.
“A husband, father and grandfather, Hogabowamu is committed to the vision of Nampa where families thrive in a community where citizens are proud to live, work, eat, play, and worship,” his biography reads.
Hogaboam’s death was met with an outpouring of condolences from state officials and departments across the state, including Idaho Gov. Brad Little.
“Sad to hear of the sudden loss of Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam,” Little wrote on the X blog. “Rick worked 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 not to run for office last year, said she was “deeply saddened” to hear of the death of her successor, according to KTVB.
“He has a wonderful wife and young family, who we must keep in our prayers,” Kling said. “Rick was a brilliant, talented leader who will be greatly missed.”
The Caldwell Police Department described Hogabowamu as a “pillar of the community” who dedicated his life to his work in a Facebook post Wednesday night.
“Rick was a leader of the workforce and in addition to his professional life, Rick was a wonderful father and husband,” the statement said. “Rick’s legacy will live on forever and his passion for community service and non-profit work will never be forgotten.”
