Federal judge dies in car crash near Nevada courthouse

U.S. District Court Judge Larry Hicks was killed Wednesday afternoon after being struck by a car outside a federal courthouse in Reno, Nevada.

Police officers responded to the call about a pedestrian being hit by a car around 2:15 p.m. Upon arriving at the scene of the crash, officers immediately took Hicks to a local hospital, where he later died, according to reports. He was 80 years old.

Hicks began his career as a prosecutor in Nevada in 1968. He later became district attorney for Washoe County. He then joined a private practice and became a partner before being nominated for the federal judge position by President George W. Bush. He was sworn in as United States District Court Judge for the District of Nevada in 2001.

His son, Chris Hicks, is the current district attorney for Washoe County. He released a statement after his father’s death.

“Today, our community lost an extraordinary man,” the district attorney said. “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 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 brother. His loss is beyond comprehension.”

Hicks was incredibly proud of his family, according to multiple reports. Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam noted in an earlier interview that Hicks always believed that his family was the most important thing to him and trumped all of his career success.

“Despite his notable accomplishments, Judge Hicks once stated, ‘My greatest thrill in life is my family,’” Balaam said. “His life philosophy was based on a balance of family, work, and self.”

Balaam released a statement regarding the judge’s passing.

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“Larry Hicks was a one of a kind man, revered in our community, and most importantly, beloved by his family,” Balaam said. “On the 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 noted in Washoe County.”

Flags at federal courthouses throughout Nevada will be flown at half-staff out of respect for Hicks and in his honor, multiple reports confirmed.