‘He is a fighter’: Family of judge who was hit, seriously hurt in Providence says he’s recovering

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The family of a Rhode Island Superior Court judge who was seriously hurt after being hit by a car said he’s recovering.

“He is a fighter: he has come through emergency surgery well and is resting and in the capable hands of a team of physicians at [Rhode Island] Hospital,” wrote his family in a statement Friday.

Judge Richard Licht was hit by a Jeep Wrangler Wednesday outside the State House on Smith Street.

This is a photo of a pair of shoes that lay in the street at the scene of the hit and run at the State House on Feb. 15, 2023. (WLNE)

He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital with serious injuries.

“Those who know Richard know him to be strong in every dimension, and his strength, determination, and resilience will get him through this challenging time and on the road to recovery,” said the family.

Crime scene tape is seen closing part of Smith Street in Providence after a person was hit by a vehicle, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023. (WLNE)

Licht has served as judge since 2014, and was a former Rhode Island lieutenant governor.

The driver who hit Licht faces no charges and remained on scene.