La Quinta City Manager Thomas P. Genovese Dies

A spokeswoman for the City of La Quinta confirmed said City Manager Thomas P. Genovese died Sunday morning while hiking with friends.

The California Department of Fire and Forestry reported a 54 year-old man was hurt while hiking up on the Bump and Grind Trail in Rancho Mirage around 7:45 a.m. but didn’t provide the name of the victim.

He was transported by helicopter to an area hospital in critical condition after suffering a massive heart attack, according to the department’s website.

Early Sunday afternoon, city leaders 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 city spokeswoman Andrea Carter.

Funeral arrangements were 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.