Idaho Mayor Rick Hogaboam’s cause of death revealed

An Idaho mayor who was recently elected tragically passed away due to a rare cardiac condition during a town hall meeting, the coroner confirmed on Thursday.

Rick Hogaboam, the 47-year-old Mayor of Nampa, collapsed while speaking at the Treasure Valley Partnership event in Eagle on Wednesday evening.

Brad Pike, Eagle’s Mayor and a former firefighter, was the first to administer CPR. Despite efforts by police, fire crews, and medics, Hogaboam was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Ada County coroner attributed his death to a cardiac tamponade, which is a rare condition where blood or fluid accumulates around the heart, hindering its ability to pump blood effectively, according to the coroner’s report.

This condition, affecting about two in every 10,000 people, occurs due to underlying health issues like cancer, HIV, tuberculosis, or autoimmune diseases. It requires a procedure known as pericardiocentesis to drain the fluid, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic. Without treatment, it can be fatal.

Key symptoms of cardiac tamponade include low blood pressure, muffled heart sounds, and swollen neck veins, though not all patients exhibit every symptom.

Hogaboam, a father of five, advanced from city councilman to mayor within a decade, winning the mayoral race in November against three opponents.

During a council meeting on Thursday, a floral tribute was placed at Hogaboam’s empty seat, as reported by the Idaho Statesman.

“Our hearts are broken, because we wanted to serve with a great man,” expressed Councilwoman Debbie Skaug to the publication.

The council has 90 days to appoint a new mayor, who will serve until the next election in November 2027. Members are progressing with this task while also taking time to grieve Hogaboam’s loss.

“He had a gift of being able to turn 24 hours into a month, and he did it every day. The best way we can honor him … is just showing kindness to one another,” Councilman Sebastian Griffin remarked, emphasizing the importance of grace and gratitude for the time we have.

Hogaboam’s memorial service is scheduled for March 31 at the Ford Idaho Center.