La Quinta City Manager Thomas P. Genovese died Sunday morning, confirmed Andrea Carter, Public Relations Representative with the City of La Quinta.
Genovese was hiking with friends at the time, she said. There’s no word as to a cause of death.
CALFire reported around 7:45 this morning, that a 54 year-old man was hurt while hiking up on the Bump and Grind Trail in Rancho Mirage.
He was transported by helicopter to an area hospital in critical condition. He reportedly had a massive heart attack.
City leaders have confirmed to News Channel 3 that the hiker was Genovese.
“We are taking it one day at a time,” said La Quinta Mayor Don Adolph. “We are shocked because he was very healthy and hiked a lot.”
Adolph added that Genovese has served the city for roughly 25 years.
“Tom was very loved,” said Carter.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
“The City Council will be scheduling an emergency meeting to appoint an Interim City Manager and RDA Executive Director under the advice of the City Attorney,” according to a news release from the city.
Stay with News Channel 3 on the air and online for new information as it comes available.