The cause of death for Rico Priem, a crew member of the popular TV series 9-1-1, has been officially determined. Priem tragically passed away in a freeway accident in May, and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has now confirmed the details.
According to the autopsy report, Priem suffered from sudden cardiac dysfunction. He had an enlarged heart, known as cardiomegaly, with left ventricle hypertrophy. His death has been classified as natural.
Initially, it was speculated that Priem’s death might have been due to drowsiness after a long work shift. However, the autopsy clarified that he died from a heart attack.
Priem, who worked as a grip and was a member of IATSE Local 80, had just completed a grueling 14-hour shift on the ABC drama series. He was driving home to Woodland Hills from Pomona when the accident occurred.
Reports indicate that Priem was driving north on the 57 Freeway at Via Verde Drive in San Dimas when his vehicle veered off the road, went up an embankment, and flipped onto its roof. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the incident, IATSE released a statement expressing their commitment to the safety and well-being of their members. They extended their heartfelt condolences to Priem’s family, emphasizing that workers should be able to work and return home safely.
20th Television, the studio behind 9-1-1, also issued a statement, offering their sincere and deepest condolences to Priem’s family and friends.
Rico Priem, aged 66, was confirmed to have died from a heart attack, as per the autopsy report obtained by Variety. The report also noted that there were no fatal traumatic injuries. A toxicology report came back negative for alcohol or other drugs.
Priem’s death occurred on May 11, after he had worked a 14-hour shift on the set of 9-1-1. He was driving home at around 4:30 a.m. when his SUV drifted off the 57 Freeway, hit a tree, went up an embankment, and flipped over. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed Priem’s identity, and IATSE also verified his death. The organization reiterated their commitment to member safety and extended their condolences to Priem’s family.
Angela Bassett, a prominent cast member of 9-1-1, expressed her sorrow over Priem’s death. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, she conveyed the deep sadness felt by the cast and crew. Bassett noted that while they had experienced many joyous moments together, this was their first time dealing with such a loss.
On the set of 9-1-1, time was taken to honor Priem, with many heartfelt words spoken in his memory. His colleagues, including fellow grip Nina Moskol, paid tribute to him, highlighting his plans for retirement and his enthusiasm for life.
Moskol shared that Priem was on the verge of retirement, with plans to spend time with his wife, watch his grand-nephew grow, ride his Harley, and stay connected with friends. He was excited about retirement and wanted to share his knowledge with others.
Union members have long voiced concerns about the length of production shifts. In 2021, they went on strike, ultimately securing a 54-hour weekend rest period to address the issue of long hours. The union’s current contract is set to expire on July 31.
Priem’s death came amid ongoing negotiations between studios and IATSE, with crew safety and work hours being key points of discussion. The tragic incident has underscored the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the safety and well-being of all crew members.
In the wake of Priem’s death, his colleagues and friends continue to mourn his loss. The studio and everyone involved with 9-1-1 have extended their deepest condolences to his family and friends, remembering him as an extraordinary individual who touched many lives.
