A father and his 16-year-old daughter were tragically killed in a terrifying accident in Ogden Canyon, Utah, when the pickup truck they were riding in was struck by a flying bulldozer.
It all started on Saturday, July 6, when Richard Hendrickson, 57, was driving with his wife, Julie, and their children along a narrow, winding two-lane road in Ogden Canyon, located in eastern Weber County.
Richard was the CEO of Lifetime Products, a company known for its outdoor furniture and sporting goods. The family was heading up the canyon, with a boat hitched to their GMC pickup truck.
At about 12:49 p.m., something went horribly wrong. A tow truck traveling in the opposite direction, eastbound, was hauling a mini bulldozer.
As the truck attempted to navigate a right-hand curve, the bulldozer broke free from the tow truck and went flying into the path of the Hendrickson’s vehicle. The massive bulldozer slammed into their pickup, causing a catastrophic crash.
Richard and his daughter Sally, who was just 16 years old, lost their lives in the accident. Julie, Richard’s wife, and two of their other children were also in the truck, but they survived with only minor injuries.
The family’s fourth child, Lyssa, wasn’t there. She lives in Thailand, where she works as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
The news of Richard and Sally’s deaths has left a deep mark on their community. Richard was known as a visionary leader and a cherished friend.
His company, Lifetime Products, paid tribute to him, writing in a statement: “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. Richard was not only a company leader, but also a visionary and a friend to many within our business and the wider community.”
Barry Mower, the founder of Lifetime Products, expressed his sorrow, saying, “He was one of my most trusted and cherished friends and will be sorely missed.”
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
Even Utah Governor Spencer Cox shared his condolences on social media. He wrote on X: “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.”
One user responded to the Governor’s post, saying, “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.”
Following the tragic deaths of Richard and Sally, a petition was launched to make Ogden Canyon safer for travelers. The petition calls for restrictions on large vehicles traveling along Highway 39, a narrow, two-lane road with steep cliffs on one side and the Ogden River on the other.
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 petition, which had gathered over 3,000 signatures, asks for regulations to limit the types of vehicles allowed to use the road. The goal is to ensure the safety of everyone who uses this dangerous passage.
As the community comes together to mourn the loss of Richard and Sally Hendrickson, thoughts and prayers have poured in from all corners. People are asking for action to prevent future tragedies on roads like the one that claimed these two beloved lives.
What do you think of this heartbreaking story? Share your thoughts in the comments below to support the Hendrickson family during this incredibly difficult time. Let’s spread love and strength to the community as they grieve their loss.
