Note: We are republishing this heartbreaking story, originally reported in July 2024.
A devastating accident in Utah has left the community in shock after a well-known CEO and his teenage daughter tragically lost their lives when a bulldozer crashed onto their truck. Richard David Hendrickson, 57, and his 16-year-old daughter, Sally, were killed in the horrific incident that occurred Saturday afternoon on a state highway in Ogden Canyon.
The Utah Department of Public Safety reports that the tragic event unfolded when a mini bulldozer detached from a tow truck while making a right-hand turn. Richard and Sally were inside their GMC pickup truck, towing a boat at the time of the accident. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. The community is mourning the loss of two beloved individuals in this unimaginable tragedy.
Richard David Hendrickson addressing a crowd at an event. Photo Credit: Richard Hendrickson/Facebook
Richard David Hendrickson, the esteemed president and CEO of Lifetime Products, a company renowned for its outdoor furniture and recreational products, was known for his leadership and dedication. In the wake of his tragic passing, the company issued a heartfelt statement expressing their deep sorrow.
Lifetime Products shared the devastating news, confirming that Hendrickson’s wife and two other children sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the accident. Another daughter was overseas at the time of the tragedy.
In a statement, the company mourned: “With immense grief, we announce the sudden and tragic loss of our CEO and President, Richard David Hendrickson, in a car accident. This heartbreaking event also claimed the life of his beloved daughter, Sally.”
Utah Governor Spencer Cox took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his condolences, describing Richard David Hendrickson as both a friend and an extraordinary 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 incredibly difficult time.”
Colleagues and friends remembered Hendrickson as a visionary with a rare ability to connect with others. His reputation for mechanical expertise and his diverse skill set earned him the utmost respect within the industry. Barry Mower, who founded Lifetime Products in 1986, shared his thoughts on their friendship, saying, “Richard started his career as a welder and worked his way up through various roles within the company, eventually becoming President and CEO due to his exceptional abilities. He was not only a deeply valued friend but also someone I trusted completely. His loss will be felt deeply, and Lifetime Products will never be the same without him.”
A photo of the scene of the tragic car accident where Richard David Hendrickson and his daughter were killed. Photo Credit: FOX 13 News Utah/Youtube
The sudden and tragic loss of Richard and Sally Hendrickson has sent shockwaves through not only their family and friends but also the wider community that benefitted from Hendrickson’s exceptional leadership and dedication. As investigations into the circumstances of the accident unfold, both the family and the company are left to cope with their profound grief. Despite the heartbreak, they continue to honor the lasting impact Hendrickson had on both their lives and the business world.
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of life’s unpredictability and the fragility of family bonds. As heartfelt tributes pour in for the Hendricksons, the community has come together in solidarity, offering support to those left behind. In this time of profound loss, they stand united, praying for healing and comfort as the family navigates this incredibly difficult period.
