The CEO of Lifetime Products, Richard David Hendrickson, and his 16-year-old daughter, Sally, were tragically killed in an accident involving a mini bulldozer that fell off a tow truck and landed on their vehicle. The accident took place in Ogden Canyon, Utah on July 6, 2024, as the family was returning from a day of wakeboarding and waterskiing at Pine View Reservoir.
Hendrickson, 57, was driving a GMC pickup truck carrying his wife and three children when the accident occurred. The mini bulldozer fell off the tow truck and crushed their vehicle, killing Hendrickson and his youngest daughter Sally at the scene. His wife and two other children sustained injuries but they were not life-threatening. Their oldest daughter was not involved in the incident.
The Utah Department of Public Safety confirmed the accident details, stating the tow truck was negotiating a sharp turn on State Route 39 when the bulldozer fell on Hendrickson’s vehicle. An investigation is ongoing to establish the exact cause of the accident and to determine if there was any negligence involved.
Executive vice president of Lifetime Products, Vince Rhoton, shared fond memories of Hendrickson’s commitment to his family and his special bond with Sally. Rhoton recalled, “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.”
Hendrickson, who started his career as a welder, climbed the corporate ladder to become the president and CEO of Lifetime Products, a major outdoor furniture company. According to Rhoton, Hendrickson was not only extremely talented and crucial to the company but also stood out for his humility and affability.
Rhoton also reflected on Hendrickson’s life philosophy, underscoring the significance of valuing each day and treating people with kindness. “Seize the day and be good to the people around you,” Rhoton reiterated.
Lifetime Products founder, Barry Mower, lauded Hendrickson’s contributions to the company. “Richard ascended through various levels of the company to the position of President and CEO due to his exceptional talents and abilities. He was one of my most trusted and treasured friends and will be deeply missed. Lifetime will not be the same without him,” Mower stated.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox offered his condolences, describing Richard as a friend and an incredible leader. He expressed his grief over the tragic loss of Richard and his daughter Sally and extended his sympathies to the surviving family members.
The tragic incident has led to demands for safety improvements on Highway 39 in Ogden Canyon. A petition on Change.org is calling for restrictions on the types of vehicles permitted on the narrow two-lane road. The petition highlights the safety risks posed by large vehicles on a road with little to no shoulder width, bordered by the Ogden River on one side and steep mountain cliffs on the other.
The petition has already gathered over 1,500 signatures and calls for a solution that takes into account both economic implications and the safety of commuters. It strongly advocates for restricting certain types of vehicles on this narrow stretch of road to ensure the safety of all road users.