A tragic accident occurred in Ogden Canyon, Utah, leading to the heartbreaking loss of a father and his 16-year-old daughter. Their pickup truck was struck by a bulldozer in a freak incident.
Richard Hendrickson, respected CEO of Lifetime Products, was driving with his wife and three children when disaster struck. The tow truck coming from the opposite direction lost control of the mini bulldozer it was transporting, which then crashed onto the family’s vehicle.
The accident claimed the lives of Richard and his daughter Sally, leaving the remaining passengers coping with the deep sorrow of their loss. Read on to understand more about this shocking event.
The tragic day was Saturday, July 6. Richard, aged 57, was driving his family along a narrow, two-lane road through Ogden Canyon, located in eastern Weber County, Utah.
The Department of Public Safety reported that at approximately 12:49 p.m., a tow truck equipped with heavy machinery was heading eastbound when it attempted a turn.
As the truck took a curve, the bulldozer broke loose, propelling it into Richard’s GMC pickup that was towing a boat. The accident took the lives of Richard and 16-year-old Sally. His wife, Julie, along with two of their other children, sustained minor injuries and were treated at the hospital.
Richard’s fourth child, Lyssa, is abroad in Thailand working as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, as revealed through her Facebook profile.
Remembering a Trusted Leader
The community and colleagues were quick to offer tributes for the beloved CEO, lovingly remembered as a “visionary.”
A petition has emerged calling for stricter controls over vehicles in Ogden Canyon after the tragic accident leading to the deaths of Richard and Sally. The petition seeks to improve safety regulations by identifying which vehicle types can navigate this particular route safely.
In a heartfelt statement, Lifetime Products communicated their profound grief: “It is with deep sorrow we announce the untimely and tragic death of our CEO and President, Richard David Hendrickson. The incident also took the life of his daughter, Sally.” The statement portrayed Richard as more than a leader — he was a visionary whose influence touched many lives in the business and community.
Founder Barry Mower fondly remembered Richard, sharing, “He was one of my most trusted associates and cherished friends. His absence is deeply felt.”
Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed his condolences via a message, saying, “Richard was an amazing friend and a remarkable leader. His untimely passing with Sally is nothing short of tragic.” His message echoed the sentiments of many mourning alongside the family and hoping they find solace.
An individual responding to Gov. Cox’s message emphasized the need for stricter safety regulations, urging action to prevent future tragedies: “This is utterly senseless! Swift action must be taken to regulate loads more safely.”
A Dangerous Route
In the wake of the accident, an online petition was initiated to limit large vehicles accessing Ogden Canyon, a challenging passage with the Ogden River on one side and steep cliffs on the other.
The petition, which had garnered approximately 3,300 signatures towards its 5,000 target by midweek, underscores the urgent need for rules dictating vehicle types allowed on Highway 39, which slices through the heart of Ogden Canyon. This measure aims to ensure the safety of everyone who uses this precarious route.
We invite you to reflect on this story and consider sharing it to support the grieving community of Richard and Sally Hendrickson.
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