Rick Hogaboam, 47, the newly elected mayor of Nampa, Idaho, collapsed while speaking at a town hall meeting on Wednesday evening and died at the scene, officials said. Tests conducted by the Ada County coroner have determined the cause of death to be cardiac tamponade.

Cause of death and medical findings

The Ada County coroner reported that Hogaboam died of cardiac tamponade, a condition in which blood or fluid builds up around the heart and prevents it from pumping effectively. Coroner officials noted the complication is rare, occurring in approximately two out of every 10,000 people, and that it can be life-threatening if not treated. Medical treatment for the condition can include a procedure called pericardiocentesis, in which fluid is drained from around the heart.

Incident and immediate response

Witnesses said Hogaboam collapsed mid-speech at a town hall meeting. Emergency responders, including police, fire crews and medics, rushed to the scene. Eagle Mayor Brad Pike, a former firefighter, attempted CPR as bystanders and emergency staff worked to assist him, but Hogaboam was pronounced dead at the location.

Career, family and community reaction

Hogaboam was newly elected in November after serving on the Nampa city council; he had risen from councilman to mayor in less than a decade. He was a married father of five. At a subsequent Nampa council meeting, colleagues placed a vase of flowers at his vacant seat in tribute.

Councilwoman Debbie Skaug said, “Our hearts are broken, because we wanted to serve with a great man.” Councilman Sebastian Griln urged residents to honor Hogaboam by showing kindness and appreciating time with one another.

Next steps and memorial

The council has 90 days to appoint an interim mayor to serve until the next election in November 2027. Hogaboams memorial service is scheduled for March 31 at the Ford Idaho Center.

Officials and community members have expressed condolences as the city mourns the sudden loss of its mayor.

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