By Tim Vandenack, KSL | Posted – March 13, 2026 at 9:03 p.m.
OGDEN — In a trial marked by emotional testimony and complex legal arguments, a Weber County jury has convicted Michael Love, a 53-year-old tow truck driver, of negligent homicide in a tragic crash that claimed the lives of Richard Hendrickson, a prominent Utah CEO, and his daughter, Sally Hendrickson. The jury's decision, reached on March 13, 2026, reflects a compromise in a case where prosecutors had sought a more severe conviction of manslaughter.
Incident Details
The crash, which occurred on July 6, 2024, on Ogden Canyon Road, involved Love's tow truck losing control of a 31,000-pound bulldozer that he was transporting. The bulldozer, improperly secured, slid off the truck down a curve on the narrow canyon road, crashing onto the Hendrickson's vehicle. The impact sheared off the top of their car, resulting in tragedy for Richard, 57, and Sally, 16, while his other daughter, Mollie, suffered nonfatal injuries.
Richard Hendrickson had a well-respected career as the CEO of Lifetime Products, a Clearfield-based company, serving since 2013. On the day of the incident, he was returning with his family from a boating trip at Pineview Reservoir.
Verdicts Rendered
The jury found Love guilty of two counts of negligent homicide, classified as a class A misdemeanor, rather than the felony charges of manslaughter that had been originally pursued. Additionally, he was convicted of aggravated assault, a second-degree felony, and two counts of obstruction of justice, which included a third-degree felony charge. These obstruction charges stemmed from Love's attempts to mislead law enforcement about the security of the bulldozer.
Love has been incarcerated since October 2024 and is scheduled for sentencing on April 21, 2026.
The Prosecution and Defense Arguments
During the trial, the prosecution painted a picture of foreseeability and negligence on Love's part, emphasizing that the manner in which the bulldozer was loaded and secured contributed directly to the fatal crash. Deputy Weber County Attorney Branden Miles articulated that the crash was "totally foreseeable, totally avoidable," stressing that Love had extensive experience in the towing industry, with 17 years behind him. He noted that the bulldozer was loaded improperly and had multiple safety issues that contradicted standard towing guidelines.
Conversely, Love's defense attorney, Greg Skordas, argued for the lesser charge of negligent homicide, stating that Love did not act with reckless disregard for human life. Skordas emphasized that Love genuinely intended to transport the bulldozer safely and never intended to harm anyone. "Michael wanted nothing more than to get that (bulldozer) up there safely," he contended.
During his testimony, Love took responsibility for the accident, admitting, “I should've done my job. It's my fault. I ruined people's lives because I didn't check it," explaining that the bulldozer had not been secured properly after a maintenance staff member had unhooked it for cleaning.
The Verdict's Impact
The case has sparked discussions on road safety and the responsibilities of those in the towing industry, raising awareness around cargo loading protocols and the importance of securing loads before transport.
The trial began on March 6, and following a day of deliberations, the jury returned their verdict on March 13.
As the community mourns the Hendrickson family's loss, the outcome has inevitably highlighted the delicate balance of justice and accountability, particularly in traffic-related fatalities where negligence intertwines with unexpected tragedy.
Related Information
- Manslaughter trial starts for man charged in crash that killed Utah CEO, daughter
- 2 killed, 3 injured when SUV collides with bulldozer in Ogden Canyon
As the case progresses toward sentencing, it remains to be seen what impacts this verdict will have on future practices in the industry and on road safety regulations statewide.
