U.S. District Court Judge Killed in Reno Accident

U.S. District Court Judge Larry Hicks died following a car versus pedestrian accident in midtown Reno on Wednesday, May 29.

The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. as Hicks was walking through the intersection at South Virginia Street and California Avenue, near the federal courthouse. The Reno Police Department reported Hicks was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“On behalf of the men and women of the Reno Police Department, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Judge Hicks,” Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance said. “Tragedies like this leave a lasting impact on our lives, particularly when they involve cherished members of our community.”

Hicks, a former Washoe County district attorney and president of the Nevada State Bar, was appointed to the federal bench by President George W. Bush in 2001 and took senior status in 2013. He was a 1965 graduate of the University of Nevada and joined the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office in 1968, serving as district attorney from 1974 to 1978.

In 1979, he became a partner at McDonald, Carano, Wilson, McCune, Bergin, Frankovich & Hicks LLP. He also held prominent roles such as president of the State Bar of Nevada from 1993 to 1994, member of the State Bar Board of Governors from 1988 to 1994, president of the Bruce R. Thompson Chapter of the American Inns of Court in Reno from 1999 to 2000, and president of the Nevada District Attorneys Association from 1977 to 1978.

Judge Hicks, 80, is survived by his son, Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks, and other family members.