TRAGEDY STRIKES: Newly elected mayor, 47, dies after collapsing mid-speech during town hall

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From the New York Post: 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. 

Despite desperate life-saving efforts, Hogaboam couldn’t be saved.

Hogaboam had won November’s election with  62.86 percent of the vote, and was just sworn in as the mayo of Nampa, Idaho in January.  Originally from New York, Hogaboam had moved to Nampa in 2008. He had served as a city councilman, a substitute Idaho state senator, and the Canyon County clerk, as well as chief of staff to former Mayor Debbie Kling, his predecessor, for almost four years.

Just hours before his death, Hogaboam attended a training session with the Nampa Fire Department. He leaves behind his wife, five children and one grandchild.  His cause of death is still unknown.

His final post on Facebook was about the training Wednesday afternoon.

He wrote, “Beautiful day for some outdoor training. 6 recruits going through Nampa Fire training. Also had a lunch meeting with Chief Kirk Carpenter this week and am thankful for a great partnership. Wishing these recruits the best.”

The Idaho Republican Party paid tribute to Hogaboam, writing, “Rick Hogaboam was everything we want our political leaders to be. He was a husband, a father, a dedicated public servant, and a good man. All Idaho joins the people of Nampa in mourning his loss and praying for his family.”

The City of Nampa announced in a Facebook post:

It is with the deepest sadness that we must report Mayor Rick Hogaboam experienced a medical emergency tonight and has passed away. We ask the community to please keep his family and loved ones in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

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.

Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID) wrote, “Vicki and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Mayor Rick Hogaboam, a dedicated public servant who truly cared for the Nampa community. Our prayers are with his family, loved ones, and the many Idahoans whose lives he touched.”

Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID) wrote, “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam. Rick was a friend to many, including myself, and served the people of Idaho with dedication and loyalty. Please join me in keeping his family and loved ones in your prayers.”

Idahoan S Max Brown wrote, “Mayor Hogaboam. Gone too soon. Your last post yesterday was a true reflection of your servant leadership. A humble leader with intellectual curiosity and a friend to all who came across your path. I was grateful we were able to chat a few days ago, but I’m at a loss for words today. You will be deeply missed. May God bless and comfort those who are grieving today. May your family be watched over and protected. This one hurts.”

READ MORE from the New York Post.

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