A newly elected Idaho mayor collapsed and died while speaking at a town hall meeting on Wednesday evening, March 18, 2026, despite desperate life-saving efforts by a fellow mayor who rushed to perform CPR.
Rick Hogaboam, 47, suffered a medical emergency around 6:45 p.m. during a Treasure Valley Partnership town hall at Eagle City Hall. The Nampa mayor was delivering remarks when his speech became slurred and he suddenly dropped to the floor, shocking colleagues and attendees.
Eagle Mayor Brad Pike, a former firefighter seated to Hogaboam’s right, immediately sprang into action and began CPR. He was aided by Eagle’s police chief, who was also present. Officers, firefighters, and paramedics responded, but could not revive him.
First responders continued life-saving efforts on Hogaboam for about an hour before representatives from the Ada County Coroner’s Office arrived. The city announced his death at 8:40 p.m.
The tragic incident occurred a little over two months after Hogaboam began serving as Nampa’s 31st mayor. He was sworn in on January 5, 2026, following his November 2025 election victory, in which he received 62.9 percent of the vote against three challengers.
Caldwell Mayor Eric Phillips experienced a separate medical issue, with chest pain and dizziness, at the same town hall. Phillips was treated outside the venue and transported by Ada County Paramedics for what appeared to be an unrelated condition. City officials confirmed by Thursday morning that Phillips was “doing well.”
Pike later spoke with reporters outside Eagle City Hall about the intense moments. “Good, bad or indifferent, I was the last person in his life that was touching him when he passed,” Pike told KTVB.
On Thursday, the Ada Coroner’s Office said the cause of death was cardiac tamponade.
A Republican and father of five, Hogaboam had a long record of public service in Nampa and Canyon County. He moved from western New York to Nampa in 2008 and was an enthusiastic Buffalo Bills fan.
Prior to becoming mayor, Hogaboam was chief of staff to former Mayor Debbie Kling from 2020 to 2023. His public service included time as a city councilor, a brief stint as a substitute Idaho state senator in 2021, and serving as Canyon County clerk, where he managed the county budget and elections. He also served as a senior pastor at Sovereign Grace Fellowship in Nampa.
Earlier the same day, Hogaboam took part in training with the Nampa Fire Department and later described the day as “beautiful” in a Facebook post.
Tributes poured in from across Idaho’s political community. Governor Brad Little described the loss as “heartbreaking,” saying Hogaboam “served with a real heart for public service and dedication to the community.”
The Idaho GOP called Hogaboam “everything we want our political leaders to be.” Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane said he was “heartbroken” and noted their close work together when Hogaboam was the Canyon County Clerk.
Former Mayor Debbie Kling, who had endorsed Hogaboam as her successor, said she was “deeply grieved and saddened” by his death, describing him as “a talented, smart leader who served with integrity and a servant’s heart.”
The City of Nampa asked residents to keep Hogaboam’s family in their prayers during this difficult period. The Treasure Valley Partnership offered condolences, calling him an exemplary public servant, a devoted family man, and a true friend.
Nampa City Council president David Bills is serving as acting mayor. The council will appoint an interim mayor to serve until a mayoral election in November.
Hogaboam is survived by his wife Mimi, their five children, and a grandchild.
