Towman Convicted in Fatal Utah Canyon Crash

A Utah jury has found a former tow truck driver guilty of negligent homicide in connection with a 2024 crash in Ogden Canyon that killed a father and daughter. 

The incident occurred July 6, 2024, when a tow truck traveling eastbound lost a bulldozer near milepost 8. The heavy equipment fell into the westbound lane and landed on an SUV carrying five people. Richard David Hendrickson and his daughter, Sally Hendrickson, were killed. Three other occupants suffered minor injuries and were taken to a hospital. 

Michael John Love, 53, had originally been charged with two counts of manslaughter, aggravated assault and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors said the bulldozer was improperly secured with a single chain and a tow-hook winch—an arrangement investigators described as inadequate for the weight of the equipment. 

Court records also stated the bulldozer exceeded the truck’s weight capacity by about 4,300 pounds. Authorities further alleged Love misled investigators about how the load was secured. 

A jury acquitted Love of manslaughter but convicted him of two counts of negligent homicide, aggravated assault and obstruction of justice. Sentencing is scheduled for April 21, 2026.  Source: https://www.abc4.com and https://www.eastidahonews.com