A devastating accident in Ogden Canyon, Utah, has shocked and saddened the community. Richard David Hendrickson, the CEO and president of Lifetime Products, and his 16-year-old daughter Sally, lost their lives in a horrific accident involving a bulldozer.
Imagine navigating the scenic bends of Highway 39, only for tragedy to strike out of nowhere. This was the harsh reality for Richard David Hendrickson and his young daughter Sally.
The unfortunate incident occurred on a seemingly normal Saturday, July 6. The peaceful drive took a turn for the worst when a tow truck, carrying a mini bulldozer, collided with their GMC pickup. Both vehicles were negotiating a right-hand curve, one of the many twists that characterize Highway 39. Suddenly, the bulldozer detached from the tow truck and, in a catastrophic moment, plummeted onto the Hendrickson family’s vehicle.
Richard, 57, and his beloved 16-year-old daughter Sally were inside the truck. The accident’s impact was so severe that they were declared dead at the scene. In this dark shadow of loss, two other adult passengers managed to survive, though they were left with non-life-threatening injuries.
The news hit hard, especially among Richard’s colleagues and friends. Many remembered him as a visionary leader, someone who could turn even the most challenging circumstances into opportunities. Barry Mower, the founder of Lifetime Products, poignantly remarked that Richard wasn’t just a trusted colleague but one of his most cherished friends.
Richard’s rise from being a humble welder to the CEO and president of a significant company was nothing short of inspirational. His journey was a beacon of hope and innovation, cutting across professional and personal spheres. Losing such a figure so abruptly feels like a blow not just to the company but to the entire community he thrived in.
Even Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed his condolences, labeling Richard as an exceptional leader and a dear friend. It isn’t every day we come across someone whose warmth and leadership leave such an enduring legacy.
This tragic accident, however, has sparked essential conversations about the safety of Highway 39. A petition has surfaced, advocating for stricter regulations regarding the types of vehicles that can traverse this narrow, two-lane roadway. Its aim? To prevent another devastating accident from unfolding. With over 1,700 signatures already, this petition addresses the significant risks posed by larger vehicles struggling through Ogden Canyon’s hazardous terrain.
Think of it: 1,700 people standing together, voices united for a common cause. A safer highway. Isn’t it time we add our voices to this call for sanity?
Let’s all stand together, supporting the safety of our loved ones and fellow residents of Weber County. Sign the petition; make your voice heard! In doing so, we can help ensure that daily commuting through our breathtaking canyon doesn’t come at such an appalling cost.
In moments like this, our thoughts and prayers go out not just to the Hendrickson family but to everyone affected by such a gut-wrenching accident. Let us remember the incredible lives lost, while striving to prevent such heartbreak in the future.
