In a shocking turn of events that left a community in mourning, a tragic accident in Ogden Canyon claimed the lives of a beloved father and his teenage daughter.
Eyewitness accounts describe a scene that seems almost surreal as their vehicle was hit by a flying bulldozer with a terrifying fate.
This devastating incident not only highlights the dangers of heavy equipment on narrow roads but also raises questions about safety regulations for such vehicles, especially in treacherous areas.
As the details of this heartbreaking story unfold, the loss of Richard Hendrickson and his 16-year-old daughter Sally serves as a stark reminder of how quickly life can change and how important it is to keep our roads safe.
An accident in Ogden Canyon resulted in the deaths of a Utah father and his 16-year-old daughter when their pickup collided with an aerial bulldozer.
Reports say, Richard Hendrickson, CEO of Lifetime Products, was in the vehicle with his wife and three children when an oncoming tow truck lost control of the mini bulldozer it was transporting, causing it to collide with the family car.
Hendrickson and his daughter Sally were pronounced dead at the scene. The remaining passengers held on.
The unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday, July 6, when the family was walking along a small two-lane road in Ogden Canyon, located in the eastern part of Weber County, Utah.
Around 12:49 p.m., a tow truck carrying heavy equipment was traveling eastbound, the Department of Public Safety said.
While negotiating a right turn, the bulldozer detached from the tow truck and struck Hendrickson’s westbound GMC pickup, which was carrying the boat.
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
The remaining passengers were treated for minor injuries.
Tributes began pouring in from relatives and friends, describing Hendrickson as a “trusted and respected” individual and a “visionary”.
We regret to announce the unfortunate and unexpected passing of our CEO and President, Richard David Hendrickson. “This tragic event also resulted in the death of one of his daughters, Sally,” reports Lifetime Products. The statement described the man as “more than a corporate leader” and added: “He was also a visionary and a friend to many individuals in our organization and the wider community.”
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
Barry Mower, founder of the group, said: “He was one of my most trusted and valued friends and he will be deeply missed.”Â
Utah Governor Spencer Cox offered his condolences to X’s family, saying, “Richard was a friend and an exceptional leader.”
We are devastated by his untimely passing by his daughter Sally’s side. Our condolences go out to the bereaved family and we hope they find comfort and healing.
Governor Cox’s position attracted much interest. One individual commented: “Praying for Richard’s family; totally irrational!” Governor Cox, you and your administration need to implement strict regulations and impose heavy fines on unsafe costs.
After the accident, a petition was created to ban heavier cars from entering the tight “two-lane thoroughfare” flanked by the Ogden River on one side and high mountain slopes on the other.
As of Tuesday, a petition targeting 5,000 signatures had received approximately 3,300. The petition states, “We are initiating this petition to implement regulations regarding the types of vehicles allowed on Highway 39, which cuts through the core of Ogden Canyon.” It is absolutely necessary to limit the driving of certain categories of cars on this narrow road to ensure the safety of all users.
Sincere condolences to the bereaved family.
The tragic event in Ogden Canyon serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the profound impact sudden loss can have on families and communities. Richard Hendrickson and his daughter Sally were not just victims of a catastrophic accident; they were valued members of their family and wider community and leftbehind an irreplaceable void. The outpouring of grief and support from friends, family, and the public underscores the legacy they left behind, highlighting Richard’s leadership and vision as a businessman, as well as his warmth as a friend and family man.
In the wake of this tragedy, the push for regulatory changes on narrow roads like Interstate 39 reflects a collective call for greater safety measures to prevent such devastating accidents in the future. The petition, which has already received significant support, illustrates how the community is coming together not only to honor the memory of those lost but also to advocate for the safety of all who travel these dangerous roads.
As the Hendrickson family goes through this unimaginable loss, our thoughts and prayers remain with them. May they find strength in the love and support of their community and may the memories of Richard and Sally be a source of comfort during this difficult time. This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for continued dialogue about the regulations that govern the vehicles that share our roads. We hope that by losing them, meaningful change can be enacted to protect others from a similar fate.