Judge Larry R. Hicks served in the District of Nevada since he was appointed by President George W. Bush nearly a quarter of a century ago.

However, Hicks' family was left grieving this week when the 80-year-old jurist passed away this week following an accident. 

Judge struck by car outside courthouse

According to Fox News, Hicks died on Wednesday afternoon after being struck by a car outside the federal courthouse in downtown Reno, Nevada.

Authorities confirmed that Hicks was rushed to hospital while the driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with their investigation.

"Today's news regarding the Honorable Judge Larry R. Hicks who served Nevada for over 53 years is tragic," Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam was quoted as saying in a social media post.

"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," Balaam added.

Senator saddened judge's death

"Larry Hicks was a one of a kind man, revered in our community and, most importantly, beloved by his family," the sheriff continued.

"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 noted in Washoe County," Balaam went on to stress.

The Washoe County sheriff was not alone in fondly remembering Hicks as other elected officials were quick to post tributes of their own.

Among them was Nevada Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, who declared on Thursday that she and her husband "are saddened to hear about the tragic passing of Judge Larry Hicks yesterday."

Hicks began practicing law in 1968

"He will be remembered for his decades of service to our Northern Nevada community, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones mourning his loss," the senator noted.

Paul and I are saddened to hear about the tragic passing of Judge Larry Hicks yesterday. He will be remembered for his decades of service to our Northern Nevada community, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones mourning his loss.

— Senator Cortez Masto (@SenCortezMasto) May 30, 2024

Fox News recalled how Hicks' career in law began when he became a prosecutor in 1968 and went on to become Washoe County District Attorney six years later.

He became a partner at a law firm in 1978 and continued in private practice until being elevated to the federal bench in 2001.