Churchill County Mourns Unexpected Death of Sheriff Richard Hickox Jr.

Officials say Hickox's experience shaped his effective leadership in the community.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:18am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a sheriff's badge against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The sudden passing of Sheriff Richard Hickox Jr. has left a community in mourning, as they reflect on his decades of dedicated service.Reno Today

Churchill County Sheriff Richard Hickox Jr. passed away unexpectedly on Saturday due to complications from cancer. Hickox had served the county for over 28 years, working his way up through nearly every position in the department. County officials say his experience and understanding of the pressures and stresses of each role made him an effective and beloved leader in the community. The county commission will appoint a new sheriff to serve out the remainder of Hickox's term, and the position will be open for the next full term starting in June.

Why it matters

Hickox's death is a major loss for Churchill County, as he was a highly respected and experienced sheriff who had the trust and support of both his employees and the community. His passing leaves a void in the county's law enforcement leadership that will need to be filled through an appointment and then an election.

The details

Sheriff Richard Hickox Jr. passed away on Saturday due to complications from cancer. Hickox had served Churchill County for over 28 years, working his way up through nearly every position in the department including detention deputy, patrol sergeant, and ultimately as sheriff. County Manager Chris Spross said Hickox's experience in those roles shaped how he led, as he understood the pressures and stresses that came with each job. Spross said Hickox was 'very comfortable in talking to people when they had issues or concerns, because he knew what they were going through.' Hickox was running for re-election this year, and no one had filed to run against him.

  • Hickox passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • The Churchill County Commission will appoint a new sheriff to serve out the remainder of Hickox's term, which runs through the end of 2026.
  • The filing period for the next full term of sheriff will open in June 2026 and close in July 2026.

The players

Richard Hickox Jr.

The late sheriff of Churchill County, Nevada, who had served for over 28 years and was widely respected in the community.

Chris Spross

The Churchill County Manager, who spoke about Hickox's effective leadership and the impact of his unexpected passing.

Churchill County Commission

The county governing body that will appoint a new sheriff to serve out the remainder of Hickox's term.

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What they’re saying

“He touched a lot of people. He was very well loved and very well respected.”

— Chris Spross, Churchill County Manager

What’s next

The Churchill County Commission will appoint a new sheriff to serve out the remainder of Hickox's term, which runs through the end of 2026. The filing period for the next full term of sheriff will open in June 2026 and close in July 2026, allowing anyone to run for the position.

The takeaway

The unexpected death of Sheriff Richard Hickox Jr. is a major loss for Churchill County, as he was a highly experienced and respected leader in the community. His passing leaves a void in the county's law enforcement leadership that will need to be filled through an appointment and then an election, underscoring the importance of stable and trusted local government.