A devastating accident in Ogden Canyon, Utah, claimed the lives of a father and his 16-year-old daughter when a mini bulldozer broke free from a tow truck and crashed into their pickup.

Richard Hendrickson, 57, CEO of Lifetime Products, was driving with his wife and three children on a narrow two-lane road when tragedy struck. Reports indicate that a tow truck traveling in the opposite direction lost control of the heavy equipment it was hauling, causing the bulldozer to detach and collide with the family’s vehicle.

Hendrickson and his daughter Sally were tragically killed, leaving the surviving family members grappling with unimaginable loss. The crash has sent shockwaves through the community, as friends and neighbors mourn the loss of two lives taken too soon.

The accident occurred on Saturday, July 6, around 12:49 p.m., as the Hendricksons were driving through Ogden Canyon in eastern Weber County. According to the Department of Public Safety, the tow truck was traveling eastbound and lost control of the equipment as it attempted to make a turn, leading to the catastrophic collision.

This heartbreaking incident highlights the unpredictable dangers of roadways and the far-reaching impact of such tragedies on families and communities alike.

As the tow truck attempted to navigate a right-hand curve, the mini bulldozer it was hauling detached and careened into Richard Hendrickson’s GMC pickup, which was traveling westbound and towing a boat.

Richard Hendrickson, the CEO of Lifetime Products, a company specializing in outdoor furniture and sporting goods, and his 16-year-old daughter, Sally, were tragically killed in the collision. Three other passengers, identified as his wife, Julie, and two of their four children, were transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

According to her Facebook profile, Lyssa, the Hendricksons’ fourth child, currently resides in Thailand, where she works as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

‘Deeply Missed’
Tributes have been pouring in for Richard Hendrickson, described as a “trusted and cherished” leader and a “visionary” by friends and colleagues. His impact on those who knew him is reflected in the heartfelt messages honoring his legacy.

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

“It is with immense sadness that we announce the tragic and sudden loss of our CEO and President, Richard David Hendrickson, in a devastating accident that also took the life of his daughter, Sally,” Lifetime Products shared in a heartfelt statement. Remembering him as “more than just a leader,” the statement continued, “He was a visionary and a dear friend to many, both within the company and in the broader community.”

Barry Mower, the company’s founder, also expressed his grief, saying, “Richard was one of my most trusted and cherished friends. His loss is deeply felt, and he will be sorely missed.”

Utah Governor Spencer Cox offered his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Richard was a friend and an extraordinary leader. We are devastated by the tragic loss of him and his daughter, Sally. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this incredibly difficult time, and we hope they find comfort and healing.”

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

Responding to Governor Cox’s message, one user tweeted, “Praying for Richard’s family. This tragedy is absolutely senseless! Governor Cox, you and your administration MUST take action to strictly regulate and heavily penalize unsafe loads.”

A Dangerous Passage
In the wake of the tragic accident, a petition has been launched to restrict larger vehicles from traveling along the narrow, two-lane Highway 39 through Ogden Canyon. The route, bordered by the Ogden River on one side and steep mountain cliffs on the other, is known for its challenges.

As of Tuesday, the petition had garnered approximately 3,300 of its 5,000-signature goal. It states, “We are calling for stricter regulations on the types of vehicles allowed on Highway 39, which runs through the heart of Ogden Canyon. This narrow roadway urgently needs restrictions to ensure the safety of everyone who depends on it.”

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