A newly elected Idaho mayor died after he collapsed mid-speech during a town hall meeting, despite a neighboring mayor’s desperate attempts to save him.
Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam suffered a “medical emergency” while speaking around 6:45 p.m. Wednesday in Eagle, Idaho, according to Idaho News.
Eagle Mayor Brad Pike, who was sitting next to the 47-year-old politician, was the first to administer CPR.
The Treasure Valley Partnership town hall meeting was adjourned as the politician was being treated by cops, fire crews and medics who rushed to the scene.
Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam has died. Rick Hogaboam for Nampa Mayor / InstagramLife-saving efforts were unsuccessful and Hogaboam died — just over two months after being sworn in as mayor of Nampa, located west of Boise.
He prevailed in November’s election with 62.86 percent of the vote, defeating three rivals and becoming Nampa’s 31st mayor in the process.
Hogaboam, known for his love of the Buffalo Bills, moved from western New York to Nampa in 2008. He later served as chief of staff to former Mayor Debbie Kling, his predecessor, for almost four years.
He had previously served as a city councilman, a substitute Idaho state senator, and the Canyon County clerk, a job in which he was responsible for the county’s budget and elections.
Hogaboam’s office has described his death as an “unbelievable loss” while the Idaho House Republicans described him as someone who was “more than a public servant.”
Tributes have been paid to the politician, who assumed the role of mayor in January. City of Nampa, Idaho – Municipal Government¿“He was a steady hand, a thoughtful leader, and a friend who genuinely cared about the future of the community,” they said.
“His dedication to strengthening Nampa, supporting families and fostering thoughtful growth will leave a lasting impact for generations to come.”
The Idaho GOP also paid tribute to Hogaboam, saying he was “everything we want our political leaders to be,” while Phil McGrane, the Idaho secretary of state, said he was left “heartbroken.”
“Beyond just doing our jobs, we shared a love for voting, elections, and politics,” McGrane said.
Hours before his death, Hogaboam attended a training session with the Nampa Fire Department, saying he was mesmerized by the “beautiful day.”
Hogaboam’s cause of death remains unknown.
He leaves behind his wife, Mimi, five children and a grandchild, according to the Idaho State Journal.
Nampa officials will have to appoint Hogaboam’s successor before the next election, which is held every four years.
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