A Utah tow-truck driver has been sentenced to prison after a devastating crash that killed a well-known business executive and his teenage daughter.
Prosecutors said the tragedy happened because a bulldozer weighing more than 30,000 pounds was not properly secured to a flatbed trailer, causing it to come loose and crush the victims’ vehicle.
The case has drawn significant attention across Utah due to the heartbreaking loss of a respected business leader and his daughter, as well as allegations that the driver attempted to mislead investigators after the crash.
Tow-Truck Driver Sentenced in Fatal Crash
Michael John Love was sentenced on Friday after being found guilty in connection with the July 2024 crash that claimed the lives of Richard Hendrickson and his 16-year-old daughter, Sally Hendrickson.
According to reports, the court sentenced Love to a combination of prison terms for aggravated assault, negligent homicide, and obstruction of justice charges. The sentences could result in a total prison term ranging from four to 23 years.
During the sentencing hearing, Love expressed remorse for his actions and acknowledged responsibility for what happened.
He told the court that he thinks about the crash every day and admitted that he made a serious mistake that he will have to live with for the rest of his life.
Bulldozer Came Loose on Mountain Road
The fatal crash occurred on State Route 39 in Ogden Canyon, a scenic two-lane highway in northern Utah.
According to the Utah Highway Patrol, Love was driving a flatbed truck carrying a bulldozer when he entered a right-hand curve. Investigators said the bulldozer broke free from the trailer and slid off the driver’s side of the vehicle.
At the same time, Richard Hendrickson was travelling in the opposite direction in a GMC pickup truck while towing a boat.
The bulldozer crashed directly onto the pickup truck, crushing the passenger compartment and causing catastrophic damage.
Richard Hendrickson and his daughter Sally died at the scene.
Family Members Injured in the Crash
In addition to the two fatalities, three other members of the Hendrickson family were involved in the accident.
Richard’s wife, Julie Hendrickson, and two other children suffered injuries and were transported for medical treatment. Authorities said their injuries were not considered life-threatening.
The family has continued to mourn the loss of both Richard and Sally while dealing with the emotional impact of the tragedy.
During the sentencing hearing, Julie Hendrickson spoke about the profound loss her family has experienced since the crash.
Investigation Found Bulldozer Was Not Properly Secured
Court documents revealed that investigators determined the bulldozer had not been secured according to safety requirements before being transported.
After the crash, Love told investigators that the heavy equipment had been properly chained down using multiple restraint points. He claimed that chains were attached to both the front and rear sections of the bulldozer and that additional restraints had been used.
However, investigators later discovered evidence that contradicted those statements.
Surveillance footage from a gas station visited by Love before the crash reportedly showed that the bulldozer was not secured in the manner he described.
According to prosecutors, the video showed significantly fewer restraints than required under safety regulations.
Authorities Accused Driver of Misleading Investigators
One of the most serious allegations involved Love’s actions immediately after the crash.
Investigators reported that emergency crews found him moving chains and handling equipment near the trailer before officers could fully document the scene.
Authorities alleged that he attempted to place chains in positions that would make it appear the bulldozer had been properly secured before the accident.
Prosecutors argued that these actions demonstrated that Love knew the equipment had not been safely restrained when the journey began.
The allegations ultimately led to additional obstruction of justice charges.
Judge Criticises Safety Failures
During sentencing, the judge strongly criticised the driver’s actions and emphasised the responsibility that comes with transporting heavy equipment.
The court noted that licensed commercial operators are expected to understand and follow safety regulations designed to prevent exactly this type of accident.
According to the judge, there was no valid excuse for transporting a bulldozer of that size and weight without proper securing methods.
The court concluded that the failure to follow those requirements directly contributed to the deadly outcome.
Richard Hendrickson Remembered as Business Leader and Family Man
Richard Hendrickson was widely known throughout Utah as the CEO of Lifetime Products, a company that manufactures outdoor and recreational products.
Beyond his business achievements, friends and family described him as a devoted husband and father who frequently shared moments from his personal and professional life on social media.
His death shocked the local community, while the loss of his daughter Sally made the tragedy even more devastating for those who knew the family.
Many community members have continued to offer support to the Hendricksons since the accident.
