Idaho Mayor Dies After Medical Emergency at Town Hall

Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam suffered sudden cardiac tamponade during event in nearby Eagle

Mar. 23, 2026 at 1:30pm

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Idaho's third-largest city, Nampa, is without its new mayor after a public event in the nearby city of Eagle turned into a medical emergency that ended in tragedy. Mayor Rick Hogaboam, 47, died on Wednesday after experiencing a sudden cardiac tamponade while delivering prepared remarks at a Treasure Valley Partnership town hall. Emergency responders immediately tried to assist Hogaboam, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Why it matters

Hogaboam was just months into his first term leading Nampa, a city of over 100,000 residents. His sudden passing is a tremendous loss for the community, as he had a long history of public service in local and state politics. The city is now left to grieve not only its mayor, but also a beloved community member.

The details

According to officials, Hogaboam was delivering prepared remarks at the town hall event when he suddenly stopped mid-sentence and slumped over. Eagle's mayor, Brad Pike, a former firefighter, and Police Chief Travis Ruby immediately tried to assist Hogaboam and performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Ada County Coroner's Office determined the cause of death was cardiac tamponade, a condition in which fluid around the heart prevents it from functioning properly.

  • On March 23, 2026, Hogaboam suffered a medical emergency and died at a town hall event in Eagle, Idaho.
  • Hogaboam took office as Nampa's mayor in January 2026, just months before his passing.

The players

Rick Hogaboam

The 47-year-old mayor of Nampa, Idaho, who died after suffering a medical emergency at a town hall event in the nearby city of Eagle.

Brad Pike

The mayor of Eagle, Idaho, who is a former firefighter and assisted in trying to save Hogaboam's life.

Travis Ruby

The police chief of Eagle, Idaho, who also assisted in trying to save Hogaboam's life.

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What they’re saying

“Hogaboam's passing is a tremendous loss, and we praise his genuine heart for public service.”

— Brad Little, Governor of Idaho

What’s next

Nampa's city council has appointed its president as the interim mayor, and a new mayor will be selected.

The takeaway

The sudden and tragic death of Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam has left the community in shock and grief. Hogaboam was a dedicated public servant with a long history of civic involvement, and his passing is a tremendous loss for the city and the state of Idaho.