U.S. District Court Judge Larry Hicks tragically lost his life Wednesday afternoon after being struck by a car outside a federal courthouse in Reno, Nevada.
Police responded to reports of a pedestrian hit by a car around 2:15 p.m. Upon arrival, they immediately transported Hicks to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries, according to reports. He was 80 years old.
Hicks started his legal career as a prosecutor in Nevada in 1968. He subsequently became the district attorney for Washoe County before moving into private practice, where he rose to partner. In 2001, Hicks was nominated by President George W. Bush and sworn in as United States District Court Judge for the District of Nevada.
His son, Chris Hicks, the current district attorney for Washoe County, issued a heartfelt statement following his father’s death.
“Today, our community lost an extraordinary man,” said the district attorney. “Judge Larry Hicks was a deeply admired lawyer and judge, a devoted friend, mentor, and a committed servant to the administration of justice. To us, he was foremost a man who placed nothing above family. He was a hero in all manners, a loving husband of nearly 59 years, a doting dad, an adoring Papa, and brother. His loss is beyond comprehension.”
Hicks was known for his immense pride in his family. Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam mentioned in an earlier interview that Hicks always prioritized his family over his career achievements.
“Despite his notable accomplishments, Judge Hicks once stated, ‘My greatest thrill in life is my family,’” Balaam noted. “His life philosophy revolved around balancing family, work, and self.”
Balaam also expressed his condolences in a statement following the judge’s passing.
“Larry Hicks was a one-of-a-kind man, revered in our community and most importantly, beloved by his family,” Balaam said. “On behalf of my family and the men and women of the sheriff’s office, we extend our deepest condolences to Larry’s son Chris, the current district attorney, and all of Larry’s family. Judge Hicks’ legacy will forever be honored in Washoe County.”
Flags at federal courthouses across Nevada will be flown at half-staff in Hicks’ honor, multiple reports confirmed.
