Father, daughter die in Ogden Canyon incident; Lifetime CEO lauded for longtime support in Southern Utah (2024)

ST. GEORGE — A man and his daughter were killed in a crash on state Route 39 in Ogden Canyon over the weekend after a mini bulldozer broke loose and fell on top of a pickup truck.

Utah Highway Patrol troopers and emergency personnel responded Saturday to SR-39 near the Ogden Canyon area of Weber County on a report of a two-vehicle crash, according to information obtained Monday from UHP Lt. Cameron Roden.

Authorities say the driver of a tow truck hauling a mini bulldozer was heading east on SR-39 when he came upon a curve near mile marker 9. When he began to negotiate the curve, the mini bulldozer broke free, slid off the driver’s side of the wrecker and landed on top of a GMC pickup truck, which was pulling a boat and heading in the opposite direction.

The highway was subsequently closed in both directions while an accident reconstruction team was called out to conduct a crash investigation.

The driver of GMC was identified as 57-year-old Richard Hendrickson, of Uintah, who was traveling with his wife and three children at the time of the crash. He and his 16-year-old daughter, Sally Hendrickson, were pronounced dead at the scene.

His wife and two other children were transported to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, while another daughter was traveling overseas and was not in the vehicle, according to a statement released by Lifetime Products on Sunday.

Hendrickson was the president and CEO of Clearfield-based company and was lauded as a visionary and industry leader with legendary mechanical skills who worked his way up the ranks of the company during his 36-year career.

“Richard started as a welder and 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,” said Barry Mower, founder of Lifetime Products, in the release.

“Lifetime will not be the same without him. My love and heartfelt sympathy go out to his dear family,” Mower added.

Hendrickson also served as a stake president for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he loved serving and will be deeply missed there as well.

Hendrickson was known throughout the industry for his ability to connect with people — both within Lifetime and among its vendors and suppliers.

That characteristic was also emphasized by Ben Lindquist, general manager of Canyon Media, who said these types of tragedies never make sense, especially when they involve the loss of incredible people such as this.

“Our entire team at Canyon Media and St George News is saddened by the loss of Richard and his daughter,” said Lindquist, adding that not only was Hendrickson at the helm of an iconic Utah business that has been a longtime sponsor of so many local events — including the Fourth of July celebration in Southern Utah — he was known for his ability to engage with others.

“I heard from several of our staff members this weekend that commented on how he always went out of his way to say hello and thanks,” he said.

On behalf of Canyon Media, Lindquist said, “We offer our sincere condolences to his family, friends and the entire team at Lifetime.”

Established in 1986, Lifetime Products is the world’s leading manufacturer of residential basketball hoops, polyurethane folding tables and chairs, among other outdoor products. The company opened a retail location on 530 East in St. George back in February of last year.

This report is based on statements from police, emergency personnel or other responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.

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