Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in July 2024.
A tragic accident in Utah has left a community reeling after a well-respected CEO and his teenage daughter lost their lives when a bulldozer fell onto their truck. Richard David Hendrickson, 57, and his 16-year-old daughter, Sally, were killed in the devastating incident that occurred on a state highway in Ogden Canyon on Saturday afternoon.
According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, the accident happened when a mini bulldozer broke loose from a tow truck as it made a right-hand turn. Both Richard and Sally were inside their GMC pickup truck, which was towing a boat at the time of the accident. Authorities confirmed that they were pronounced dead at the scene.
Hendrickson was the president and CEO of Lifetime Products, a company known for its outdoor furniture and recreational products. Following the tragic news, the company released a statement mourning the loss of their leader. They noted that Hendrickson’s wife and two other children suffered non-life-threatening injuries, while another daughter was abroad at the time of the accident.
In a statement, Lifetime Products expressed their sorrow: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the tragic and sudden passing of our CEO and President, Richard David Hendrickson, in a car accident. This tragic event also took the life of his daughter, Sally.”
Utah Governor Spencer Cox took to X, formerly Twitter, to express his condolences, describing Hendrickson as a friend and an incredible leader. “We are heartbroken by his tragic passing along with his daughter Sally,” the governor wrote. ” We grieve alongside his family and hope they find solace and healing during this difficult time.”
Colleagues and friends remembered Hendrickson as a visionary leader with a remarkable ability to connect with people. His reputation for mechanical expertise and a broad skill set earned him respect throughout the industry. Barry Mower, who founded Lifetime Products in 1986, reflected on their friendship, saying, “Richard began his career as a welder and advanced through various positions within the company, ultimately rising to the role of President and CEO thanks to his remarkable skills and talents. He was a deeply valued friend whom I trusted immensely, and his absence will be profoundly felt. Lifetime Products will forever be changed without him.”
The untimely death of Richard and Sally Hendrickson has shocked not only their family and friends but also the broader community that benefited from Hendrickson’s leadership and dedication. As investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident continue, the family and the company are left to navigate their grief while remembering the profound impact he made in both their lives and the business world.
This tragic event serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the unpredictability of life and the fragility of family bonds. As tributes pour in for the Hendricksons, the community stands united in support of those left behind, praying for healing and comfort during this incredibly difficult time
