Sad news on the set of 9-1-1. As per The Hollywood Reporter, a grip for the drama series and IATSE Local 80 member, Rico Priem, was in a car collision early Saturday morning after working a 14-hour shift while on location in Pomona.
According to the report, Priem got off work at 4 a.m. that morning, and the crash occurred at 4:27 a.m. This was Rico’s second consecutive 14-hour production day.
The California Highway Patrol stated that his Toyota Highlander had overturned and was obstructing the right lanes on a San Dimas freeway. The car drove off the road and, on an embankment, flipped onto the roof. Sadly, Priem was found passed away, at the scene.
9-1-1 Grip, Rico Priem Passes Away – The Series & IATSE Comment
The IATSE released a statement saying, “We are fully committed to the safety and well-being of all of our members and express our heartfelt condolences to the member’s family. Workers have a reasonable expectation that they can get to work and come home safely. No one should be put in unsafe circumstances while trying to earn a living.”
In addition, 20th Television, 9-1-1’s producing studio, also offered a statement, “On behalf of the studio and everyone at 9-1-1, we send our sincere and deepest condolences to Rico Priem’s family and friends.”
9-1-1 Stars Share Their Condolences
9-1-1 star Aisha Hinds hopped on Instagram to share her condolences by offering a tribute to Priem, and an important message about how important, and overworked, crew members are. With a simple black photo of the red 9-1-1 graphic on it, Hinds starts off by saying, “Devastated”.
She goes on to say, “Words … ever insufficient … none able to carry the harrowing heartbreak reverberating through our 9-1-1 family. As the industry processes the passing of one of our invaluable and invested individuals-notably loyal, thus lauded and loved for his commitment to his craft and sharing the wisdom he’s gleaned from decades fo working in this industry, hearts are heavy navigating feelings of grief and gratitude for the life of Rico Priem.”
Angela Bassett, Hinds’ co-star, also commented on the terrible loss while talking to ET at the Disney/ABC Upfronts. She states, “The studio, 9-1-1, we all extend our deepest condolences to his friends, to his family. It was just a very, very sad moment. We’re all rocked by it, certainly. It’s the first time [we experience death].
We have births, you know, we have weddings, and now to experience this. We just had to take a moment, just take time, and take a moment. We thought it was important to come together and have whatever bit of service and offer whatever we can do to his family ’cause we know that we’ll miss him, but we know they will miss him even more.”
On behalf of everyone here, we pass on our condolences to Rico’s family, friends, and loved ones. Stay tuned to this site for more television news and updates.