In a heartbreaking accident in Ogden Canyon, Utah, a father and his 16-year-old daughter lost their lives in a tragic crash after a bulldozer came crashing down onto their vehicle.
On that fateful Saturday, July 6, Richard Hendrickson, the CEO of Lifetime Products, was driving up a narrow, two-lane road in Ogden Canyon with his wife and three children. Around 12:49 p.m., a tow truck carrying heavy equipment was heading in the opposite direction.
As the truck made a right-hand turn, something terrible happened. The bulldozer it was hauling broke free and was sent flying through the air, crashing directly into Hendrickson’s GMC pickup truck.
Richard and his daughter, Sally, were in the truck, and tragically, both of them lost their lives in the accident. The other passengers in the vehicle, Richard’s wife Julie and two of their children, were rushed to the hospital.
Thankfully, they survived, but their hearts were shattered by the immense loss of their beloved family members. The family had been on their way to enjoy a day together, but their lives were forever changed in an instant.
Richard, 57 years old, was more than just a CEO. He was a visionary leader, a man loved and admired by many. The news of his death, along with his daughter Sally’s, sent shockwaves through his company, Lifetime Products, and the entire community.
In a statement, the company expressed their grief: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the tragic and sudden passing of our CEO and President, Richard David Hendrickson. This heartbreaking incident also claimed the life of one of his daughters, Sally.”
They went on to describe him as “more than a company leader,” saying, “He was also a visionary and a friend to many within our business and the wider community.”
Barry Mower, the founder of Lifetime Products, shared his sorrow as well. “He was one of my most trusted and cherished friends and will be sorely missed,” he said.
The loss wasn’t only felt within the company. Utah Governor Spencer Cox also shared his condolences, writing on X, “Richard was a friend and incredible leader. We are heartbroken by his tragic passing with his daughter Sally.”
BREAKING: A petition to regulate the types of vehicles allowed in Ogden Canyon has been created after a crash resulted in the death of Utah CEO Richard Hendrickson and his daughter Sally on Saturday.https://t.co/f7EWKYitgU
— ABC4 News (@abc4utah) July 9, 2024
He added, “We mourn with the surviving members of his family and pray they will find comfort and healing.” One person, heartbroken by the senselessness of the accident, tweeted in response to the governor’s post, “Praying for Richard’s family, this is absolutely senseless!
Gov Cox you and your administration MUST do something to strictly regulate and severely penalize unsafe loads.”
In the wake of the tragedy, the community has rallied together to call for action. A petition was launched to improve safety on the narrow two-lane road where the crash occurred. The petition, which had gathered over 3,300 signatures as of Tuesday, urges lawmakers to restrict larger vehicles from traveling through Ogden Canyon’s dangerous passageway.
The petition reads, “We are raising this petition to enforce regulation on the types of vehicles permitted on Highway 39 that transverses the heart of Ogden Canyon. There is an urgent need to limit the particular categories of vehicles that can drive through this constricted roadway, ensuring the security of all who rely on it.”
In addition to the grief of Richard and Sally’s deaths, the Hendrickson family has had to cope with the pain of losing such an important part of their lives.
Richard’s daughter, Lyssa, who was living in Thailand as a missionary, was not present during the accident but was devastated by the news. She has expressed how deeply she misses her family and how hard it is to be so far away from home at such a tragic time.
Richard was a friend and incredible leader. We are heartbroken by his tragic passing with his daughter Sally. We mourn with the surviving members of his family and pray they will find comfort and healing. https://t.co/HgTS2yGUvF
— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) July 7, 2024
The accident has left the community shaken, and it serves as a reminder of the dangers of the road. While the Hendrickson family mourns the loss of Richard and Sally, many are hoping that this tragedy will lead to changes in safety regulations to prevent future accidents.
For now, the family and friends of Richard Hendrickson hold onto the memories of a man who was loved by many, and the community continues to support one another in the wake of this devastating loss.
What do you think of this story? Please share your thoughts in the comments below, as we all come together to remember and honor Richard and Sally Hendrickson.
