Trending Now - Dirk Kempthorne, Ex-idaho Governor and Interior Secretary, Passes Away at 74

WHO:

ABC News - Dirk Kempthorne, former Idaho governor and U.S. Interior Secretary

Newsweek - Dirk Kempthorne, former Idaho governor and U.S. Interior Secretary

WHAT:

NPR - Dirk Kempthorne's family stated he died Friday evening in Boise.

NPR - Kempthorne had been diagnosed with colon cancer last year.

NPR - Kempthorne's family described him as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, stating, "his greatest joy came from time spent with family and the people he met along the way."

NPR - Kempthorne was credited with revitalizing downtown Boise by securing an agreement to build a convention center.

NPR - Kempthorne served seven years as mayor of Boise before winning a U.S. Senate seat in 1992.

NPR - He authored legislation to end unfunded federal mandates on state and local governments, which was signed by President Bill Clinton.

NPR - Kempthorne was appointed as Interior Secretary by President George W. Bush in 2006 and served until the end of Bush's presidency.

NPR - Kempthorne insisted on listing the polar bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in 2008, a decision he was prepared to resign over.

NPR - Idaho Governor Brad Little stated that Kempthorne "championed children and families, strengthened public education, and led transformational investments in our transportation system."

NPR - In a 2023 session, Kempthorne recalled helping evacuate nearly 400 U.S. citizens and Afghan allies from Afghanistan during the U.S. military's withdrawal.

NPR - Kempthorne described a moment of prayer during the evacuation efforts, stating, "That night, at a total loss for answers, alone, I knelt in prayer."

ABC News - Dirk Kempthorne has died at age 74.

Newsweek - Dirk Kempthorne died at 74 after a colon cancer diagnosis.

HOW:

Newsweek - Dirk Kempthorne's death was attributed to a colon cancer diagnosis.

(UPDATED April 26, 2026 04:06 UTC)

Dirk Kempthorne's family has announced that he passed away in Boise, following a battle with colon cancer diagnosed last year. Known for his significant contributions to the community, Kempthorne revitalized downtown Boise and served as mayor before becoming a U.S. Senator and later the Interior Secretary under President George W. Bush, where he famously advocated for the polar bear's protection. Idaho Governor Brad Little praised Kempthorne for his dedication to children and families, as well as his efforts in public education and transportation, highlighting his role in evacuating nearly 400 U.S. citizens and Afghan allies during the military withdrawal from Afghanistan.

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(UPDATED April 26, 2026 01:23 UTC)

Dirk Kempthorne, the former governor of Idaho and U.S. Interior Secretary, has passed away at the age of 74. His death was attributed to a diagnosis of colon cancer. Kempthorne's contributions to public service will be remembered by many.