A tragic accident on July 6, 2024, in Ogden Canyon, Utah claimed the lives of Richard David Hendrickson, the CEO of Lifetime Products, and his 16-year-old daughter, Sally. The father and daughter were killed when a mini bulldozer fell from a tow truck and crushed their vehicle during a family outing to Pine View Reservoir.
At the time of the incident, the 57-year-old Hendrickson was driving a GMC pickup truck carrying his wife and three of his children. The mini bulldozer broke loose and fell onto their vehicle while they were traveling down State Route 39. Hendrickson and his youngest child, Sally, were declared dead at the scene. His wife and the two other children in the vehicle survived with non-life-threatening injuries. Their eldest daughter was not with them during the accident.
The Utah Department of Public Safety is currently investigating the accident. Initial findings suggest that the tow truck was making a sharp turn when the bulldozer fell onto Hendrickson’s vehicle. The department’s investigation will also determine if negligence was a factor in the accident.
Vince Rhoton, executive vice president of Lifetime Products, remembered Hendrickson’s commitment to his family and his close bond with his daughter Sally. “Spending time with his family, especially Sally, was always his priority. He built a chicken coop and learned how to raise chickens to bond with her over something she loved,” Rhoton shared.
Hendrickson started his career as a welder and eventually became the president and CEO of Lifetime Products, a prominent outdoor furniture company. “He was spectacularly talented and an essential part of our business, but what made him special was his humble and likable personality,” Rhoton added.
Rhoton also reflected on Hendrickson’s life philosophy, emphasizing the value of seizing the day and treating people with kindness. “Seize the day and be good to the people around you.”
Barry Mower, the founder of Lifetime Products, praised Hendrickson’s contribution to the company. “Richard progressed through multiple levels of the company to become President and CEO due to his extraordinary talents and abilities. He was one of my most trusted and cherished friends and will be sorely missed. Lifetime will not be the same without him,” Mower said.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed his condolences on social media: “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.”
The accident has led to a push for improved safety measures on Highway 39 in Ogden Canyon. A petition on Change.org is advocating for regulations limiting the types of vehicles allowed on the narrow, two-lane road. The petition cites the highway’s proximity to the Ogden River and steep cliffs, arguing that large vehicles pose a significant risk to other road users.
The petition has already received over 1,500 signatures, demanding that economic considerations should not override the safety of commuters. “There is an urgent need to limit the particular categories of vehicles that can drive through this constricted roadway, ensuring the security of all who rely on it,” the petition asserts.
