Newly elected N.H. Speaker of the House dies unexpectedly By James Pindell Globe Staff,Updated December 9, 2020, 7:03 p.m. Email to a Friend Dick Hinch in 2017.Charles Krupa/Associated Press Republican Dick Hinch, a longtime New Hampshire state representative, who was just elected Speaker of the House last week, unexpectedly died Wednesday at 71. âHe was a loving husband, father, family man, and veteran who devoted his life to public service,â his office said in a statement announcing his death. The statement did not give a cause of death. Senate President Chuck Morse and Governor Chris Sununu expressed sadness at Hinchâs passing.