It started out as an ordinary family outing on a quiet Saturday in Ogden Canyon, but what unfolded was nothing short of a nightmare.
Witnesses say they heard an “unusual metallic clang” moments before the chaos broke out.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the tow truck carrying the bulldozer appeared to be unstable before the curve that changed the Hendrickson family’s lives forever.
This puzzling and preventable sequence of events has left many wondering – was it a tragic accident or a case of preventable negligence?
The lives of Richard Hendrickson, CEO of Lifetime Products, and his 16-year-old daughter, Sally, were tragically cut short when a flying bulldozer crushed their vehicle.
A tragic accident in Ogden Canyon, Utah claimed the lives of a man and his 16-year-old daughter when their pickup truck was hit by a bulldozer that broke loose from a tow truck. The incident occurred on Saturday, July 6, and involved Richard Hendrickson, CEO of Lifetime Products, who was traveling with his wife and three children at the time.
A tow truck, traveling east on a narrow two-lane road in Ogden Canyon, lost control of the small bulldozer it was pulling while attempting a right turn at 12:49 p.m., according to the Department of Public Safety.
The bulldozer separated and struck Hendrickson’s westbound GMC pickup, which was towing the boat. Both Richard Hendrickson and his daughter Sally were pronounced dead at the scene. The other passengers suffered minor injuries but survived the accident.
Tributes poured in for Hendrickson, with family, friends, and colleagues describing him as a “visionary” and a “trusted and respected leader”. Lifetime Products released a statement mourning his loss, calling him “more than a company leader” and a friend to many in the organization and community.
Barry Mower, the company’s founder, expressed his deep sorrow, saying: “He was one of my most trusted and dearest friends and he will be sorely missed. Utah Governor Spencer Cox also expressed his condolences in a post on X (formerly Twitter), calling Hendrickson “a friend and an incredible leader.” Cox added: “We are devastated by his untimely death alongside his daughter Sally. We mourn with his family and hope for their recovery.”
Governor Cox’s post drew numerous reactions from concerned citizens. One commenter wrote: “Praying for Richard’s family. This is absolutely ridiculous.” Another urged the government to impose stricter regulations, saying: “Gov. Cox, you and your administration MUST take action to impose strict regulations and tough penalties on dangerous goods.”
After the accident, a petition was started to restrict larger vehicles from using the narrow Highway 39 that runs through Ogden Canyon. Bordered by the Ogden River on one side and steep mountain cliffs on the other, the road has long been considered dangerous for heavy equipment.
As of Tuesday, the petition had collected nearly 3,300 signatures out of a goal of 5,000. The petition calls for urgent ordinances limiting the types of vehicles allowed on the road to ensure the safety of everyone traveling through the canyon.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with the grieving family during this difficult time. Please consider sharing this story with your loved ones to raise awareness about road safety.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for stricter regulations, especially on narrow, high-risk roads like those in Ogden Canyon. The loss of Richard Hendrickson and his daughter Sally deeply affected not only their family but also the wider community where Hendrickson was revered as a leader and visionary.
As petitions for change gather momentum, it is vital that local authorities consider putting measures in place to prevent similar accidents in the future. While no action can undo the sadness of this heartbreaking event, ensuring safer travel conditions can honor the memory of those lost and protect others from similar tragedies.
Our thoughts remain with the Hendrickson family and all who are grieving at this difficult time. Let this be a call to action to prioritize safety and prevent more losses on our roads.