U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks, appointed by President George W. Bush in 2001, tragically lost his life after being struck by a car outside the federal courthouse in Reno, Nevada, on Wednesday afternoon. Hicks was 80 years old at the time of the incident, which has deeply shaken the local community.
A distinguished figure in the legal community, Hicks began his career as a prosecutor at the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office in 1968. He ascended to a senior district court judge in 2013 and maintained an active caseload throughout his career, contributing significantly to the legal landscape.
The accident occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, and despite being rushed to a hospital, Hicks succumbed to his injuries. The driver involved in the accident remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation, as reported by NBC affiliate KRNV of Reno.
Tributes poured in from local officials and those who knew him personally. Among them was Hicks’ son, Chris Hicks, the current Washoe County District Attorney. In a heartfelt statement, Chris Hicks said, “Today, our community lost an extraordinary man. Judge Larry Hicks was a deeply admired lawyer and judge, a devoted friend, mentor, and a committed servant to the administration of justice.”
He further expressed his profound loss, stating, “To us, he was first and foremost, a man who put nothing before family. He was a hero in all manners, a loving husband of nearly 59 years, a doting dad, an adoring Papa, and a brother. His loss is beyond comprehension.”
Reflecting on the impact of Judge Hicks’ death, Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance conveyed the depth of the community’s grief, remarking that his passing “would leave a lasting impact on our lives.” Similarly, Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam highlighted that Hicks’ “legacy will forever be noted in Washoe County.”
The loss of Judge Larry R. Hicks marks a somber moment for Reno, as the community remembers a man who dedicated his life to justice and public service. His legacy as a judicious and compassionate figure will undoubtedly endure in the memories of those he served and mentored.