A newly elected Idaho mayor was killed by a rare cardiac complication he suffered during a town hall meeting, the coroner confirmed Thursday.
City of Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam, 47, collapsed mid-speech during the Treasure Valley Partnership in Eagle on Wednesday evening.
Eagle Mayor Brad Pike, a former firefighter, was the first to attempt CPR. A coalition of cops, fire crew and medics rushed to unsuccessfully treat Hogaboam. He died at the scene.
His death was caused by a cardiac tamponade, the Ada County coroner said.
The complication, typically found in two out of every 10,000 people, is the buildup of blood or fluid around the heart that prevents the muscles from pumping blood properly, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
It is caused by some other underlying condition, like cancer, HIV, tuberculosis or an autoimmune disease and can only be treated through a procedure called pericardiocentesis where a surgeon drains the stockpiled fluid from the heart, according to the clinic.
It is life-threatening if left untreated.
Hypotension, muffled heartbeats and swollen neck veins are hallmark signs of cardiac tamponade, though 10% to 40% of all people with the complication don’t experience all three symptoms, the clinic said.
Hogaboam, a married father of five, rose from a Nampa city councilman to mayor in less than a decade. He was elected mayor in November besting three rivals for the seat.
At Thursday’s Nampa council meeting, Hogaboam’s colleagues placed a vase of flowers at his vacant seat, the Idaho Statesman reported.
“Our hearts are broken, because we wanted to serve with a great man,” Councilwoman Debbie Skaug told the outlet.
The council now has 90 days to appoint a new mayor, who will serve until the next election in November 2027. Its members are making as much progress as they can while also taking the time they need to mourn Hogaboam.
“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 Gri!n said, according to the outlet. Having more grace with one another, and appreciating the time that we have here. Every day we have is a gift.”
Hogaboam’s memorial service will be held at the Ford Idaho Center on March 31.
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