In a devastating event that has left a community in mourning, a father and his teenage daughter tragically lost their lives in a catastrophic accident in Utah’s Ogden Canyon. Richard Hendrickson, a well-known figure in his community and the CEO of Lifetime Products, was on a family drive through the canyon with his wife and three of his children when a freak accident ended in heartbreaking loss.
The accident occurred when a tow truck traveling on the opposite side of the narrow, winding road lost control of the equipment it was transporting. The tow truck was hauling a mini bulldozer, which, due to unforeseen circumstances, broke loose on a sharp curve and catapulted toward the oncoming family’s vehicle. The flying bulldozer struck Hendrickson’s GMC pickup truck, where he and his family were traveling westbound on the two-lane road. Tragically, the impact claimed the lives of both Richard, aged 57, and his 16-year-old daughter, Sally, leaving family, friends, and a larger community reeling.
The Utah Department of Public Safety provided additional details on the tragic incident, explaining that the accident took place around midday. At approximately 12:49 p.m., the tow truck hauling the mini bulldozer approached a tight right-hand curve in the road. Despite the driver’s efforts to navigate the bend, the bulldozer detached from its secure position and veered off its intended path, hurtling across the narrow road toward the Hendricksons’ vehicle. The family’s pickup truck, towing a boat behind it, was unable to evade the flying bulldozer.
Richard Hendrickson’s influence went beyond his role as the CEO of Lifetime Products, a company known for its outdoor furniture and sporting equipment. As a business leader, Richard was seen as a visionary and a friend by many in both his professional and local communities. His life and legacy now live on through the countless lives he touched, as well as through the efforts of his family, friends, and colleagues to honor his memory.
As news of the tragic accident spread, many turned to social media to express their sorrow and condolences. A statement from Lifetime Products honored Richard as a leader and visionary, a man who contributed significantly to his community and had fostered lasting friendships among colleagues and community members alike. The organization’s founder, Barry Mower, expressed his deep grief, referring to Richard as “one of my most trusted and cherished friends.” Such words illustrated the void that Richard’s passing has left within the organization and its employees.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox also offered his condolences, acknowledging Richard’s contributions to the state and describing him as an extraordinary leader and friend. On social media, he shared his sorrow over the tragic event, noting that the loss of both Richard and his young daughter Sally was profoundly saddening. His message resonated with many in the community, as people shared their thoughts, prayers, and support for the Hendrickson family.
Community members soon began raising their voices in response to the tragedy, pointing out the inherent dangers of the Ogden Canyon roadway where the accident occurred. The narrow, two-lane road is flanked by steep mountain cliffs on one side and the Ogden River on the other, creating a risky environment for larger vehicles. Concerned individuals launched an online petition to urge officials to take action by limiting the types of vehicles permitted on this road, especially larger trucks transporting heavy equipment. By restricting vehicle access on this particular route, petitioners hope to reduce the risks posed to all who rely on this thoroughfare, especially during busy hours when navigating these winding turns can become even more dangerous.
The petition quickly gained traction, accumulating thousands of signatures from residents and supporters who understand the necessity of improved regulations in the canyon area. While those supporting the petition acknowledge the practical challenges that come with restricting access on such a well-traveled route, they argue that safety must come first. The goal, supporters believe, is to ensure that other families do not face the same kind of unexpected, life-altering tragedy.
In addition to Richard and Sally, other members of the Hendrickson family sustained injuries in the accident. Richard’s wife, Julie, along with two of their other children, was taken to the hospital and treated for injuries that, fortunately, were not life-threatening. The family’s fourth child, Lyssa, was not present during the accident. Lyssa currently resides in Thailand, where she serves as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offering support to her family from afar during this incredibly difficult time.
In the wake of the tragedy, friends, family, and community members have come together, not only to mourn but also to celebrate Richard and Sally’s lives. Memorial tributes, online posts, and heartfelt messages from friends and colleagues have provided comfort to the grieving family. People remember Richard as a man of integrity, compassion, and vision, while Sally, at only 16 years old, is remembered as a bright young woman with a promising future ahead of her. Both were deeply loved by those who knew them, and their loss has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of many.
The local community continues to express support for the Hendrickson family and for those affected by this tragedy. Some residents are hopeful that the increased awareness of the risks posed by Ogden Canyon’s narrow roadway will lead to policy changes that could help prevent future incidents. Whether through regulation or by implementing specific road safety measures, community members believe that action should be taken to protect drivers along this dangerous route.
In the coming weeks and months, family, friends, and colleagues will continue to honor the memory of Richard and Sally Hendrickson. As the Hendrickson family faces the immense pain of such an irreplaceable loss, they do so with the support of a community that stands beside them in solidarity. It is a time for reflection, remembrance, and resilience as people unite to celebrate the lives of those they have lost, while hoping that steps will be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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