Rico Priem died on May 11 while driving home from a 14-hour overnight shift.
We have some sad news to share about Rico Priem, a valued member of the 9-1-1 crew. Rico passed away on May 11 while driving home from a demanding 14-hour overnight shift.
According to an autopsy report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Rico’s death was due to a sudden cardiac dysfunction. This means his heart suddenly stopped working properly. At 66 years old, his passing is being regarded as a natural event. Additionally, tests showed he had no alcohol or drugs in his system.
The Mayo Clinic tells us that when someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest, the symptoms are often immediate and severe. These can include collapsing suddenly, not having a pulse, not breathing, and losing consciousness. Although warning signs like chest discomfort or shortness of breath can appear, many times it strikes without any warning at all.
Unfortunately, Rico was involved in a car accident on his way home after working on location in Pomona, California. The accident happened on the 57 Freeway near Via Verde Drive in San Dimas. As reported, his car left the road, went up an embankment, and flipped onto its roof.
The studio, 20th Television, shared a heartfelt message about Rico’s passing: “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.” Rico worked as a grip on the ABC drama, a crucial role that supports the camera department.
Rico was also a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 80. The alliance stated, “We are fully committed to the safety and the well-being of all our members and express our heartfelt condolences to the member’s family.” They stressed that workers should feel safe going to and from work, and no one should face danger while earning a living.
After the tragedy, Angela Bassett, a star of 9-1-1, shared how the cast and crew honored Rico. “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,” she said. Angela also mentioned that it was a rare but solemn experience for the team, saying, “We have births, you know, we have weddings and now to experience this.”
She added, “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.” This touching sentiment shows how much Rico meant to everyone on set.
