Los Angeles, California – The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death of Rico Priem, a crew member on the TV show “9-1-1,” who tragically passed away in a freeway accident in May. The autopsy revealed that Priem suffered from sudden cardiac dysfunction, with an enlarged heart and left ventricle hypertrophy, leading to his untimely death. His manner of death has been classified as natural.
Originally believed to be caused by drowsiness after a long work shift, Priem’s death was ultimately determined to be the result of a heart attack. The grip and member of IATSE Local 80 had just completed a 14-hour shift on the ABC drama series before the fatal incident occurred.
Driving home to Woodland Hills from Pomona, Priem’s vehicle veered off the roadway on the 57 Freeway at Via Verde Drive in San Dimas, flipping onto its roof. He was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving his colleagues and loved ones in shock and mourning.
In response to the tragic accident, IATSE emphasized their dedication to the safety and well-being of all members, extending heartfelt condolences to Priem’s family. The incident underscored the importance of ensuring that workers can commute to and from work without facing undue risks to their safety.
Additionally, 20th Television, the studio behind “9-1-1,” expressed their deepest sympathies to Priem’s family and friends in the wake of his passing. The loss of Priem served as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of prioritizing safety in all work environments.
The untimely death of Rico Priem serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the need for vigilance in ensuring the well-being of all workers. As the entertainment industry grapples with this tragic loss, the focus now shifts to implementing measures to prevent such incidents in the future and honoring Priem’s memory in a meaningful way.