'9-1-1' Crew Member Dies in Car Crash After Working 14-Hour Shift
A 9-1-1 crew member died in a car crash early Saturday morning after working a 14-hour overnight shift. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Rico Priem, a grip on the series, was involved in the fatal accident after working Friday night through Saturday morning on a location shoot in Pomona, Calif.
"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," 20th Television said in a statement.
Priem was a member of the IATSE Local 80 crew union. One of his colleagues, Nina Moskol, paid tribute to him on Instagram, writing in part, "He had his already rich life planned for retirement, including spending time with his wife, watching his grand-nephew grow, riding his beloved Harley, and even gripping still to stay connected to his friends."
"The two most dangerous parts of our days are getting to work, and getting home," she continued. "Please stay safe out there. Grip safe. Drive safe. Get off the road if needed."
According to the California Highway Patrol (via TVLine), Priem was driving north in his Toyota Highlander on the 57 Freeway at Via Verde Drive in San Dimas when his vehicle "left the roadway for unknown reasons, went up an embankment and flipped onto its roof." He was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the crash is pending investigation.
