A federal judge for Nevada, who was appointed by former President George W. Bush and who served the state of Nevada for more than five decades, was killed in a traffic accident on May 29, officials confirmed.
“Today’s news regarding the Honorable Judge Larry R. Hicks who served Nevada for over 53 years is tragic,” Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said on X.
Judge Larry R. Hicks was sworn in as U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Nevada in 2001 and served more than 20 years on the bench.
“Larry Hicks was a one of a kind man, revered in our community and, most importantly, beloved by his family,” Washoe Sheriff’s office posted on social media platform X.
The crash occurred on the afternoon of May 29 in midtown Reno at around 2:15 p.m. It happened as Judge Hicks was walking near the federal courthouse, by intersection at South Virginia Street and California Avenue.
Following the crash, Judge Hicks was immediately taken to hospital, the Reno Police Department reported, but was declared dead on arrival.
The crash is being treated as an accident and no foul play is suspected. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene of the accident and is cooperating with police in the investigation, according to police.
The driver was apparently not impaired at the time of the collision.
Judge Hicks was the father of Chris Hicks, District Attorney for Washoe County.
“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,” Washoe Sheriff’s office post on X went on to say.
Judge Hicks began his legal career in 1968 when he started to work as a prosecutor for the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office. He went on to serve as the District Attorney from 1974 through 1978.
Following his stint as District Attorney, Judge Hicks became a partner in a private law firm, where he served until he was appointed by former President Bush as a U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Nevada in 2001.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 1965, followed by a subsequent law degree from the University of Colorado in 1968.
“Larry Hicks was a one of a kind man, revered in our community and, most importantly, beloved by his family. Judge Hicks’ legacy will forever be noted in Washoe County,” the Sheriff’s office posted.
According to the Sheriff’s office, Judge Hicks lived by a virtuous philosophy, which always put family at the forefront. “Despite his notable accomplishments, Judge Hicks once stated, ‘My greatest thrill in life is my family.’ His life philosophy was based on a balance of family, work, and self.”
Flags at federal courthouses in Nevada will be flown at half-staff in his honor.
NTD has contacted Washoe Sheriff’s Office for further information on the case but did not receive a reply before press time.