Angela Bassett and the cast and crew of the ABC series 9-1-1 are mourning the loss of crew member Rico Priem, who tragically passed away after a 14-hour shift on the set. Bassett expressed her deepest condolences to Priem’s family and noted that this was the first time the cast and crew had to deal with loss during their time working on the show. They took time to honor Priem on set and shared words of remembrance for him.
Priem, who worked as a grip and crew member for IATSE Local 80, died in a car accident on May 11, after his Toyota Highlander left the road and flipped onto the roof. His death was confirmed by IATSE, who expressed their commitment to the safety and well-being of their members and offered condolences to his family. Priem’s passing was also acknowledged by the show’s studio, 20th Television, and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. His colleague, Nina Moskol, shared on Instagram that Priem was planning for retirement and had rich plans for his future, including spending time with family and riding his Harley.
Aisha Hinds, who plays Henrietta on 9-1-1, paid tribute to Priem in a heartfelt statement on social media. She described the crew as unsung heroes and integral to the show’s success, emphasizing the importance of people like Priem in bringing creative visions to life. Hinds expressed deep sadness over Priem’s passing and called for more awareness and care in ensuring the safety of crew members in the industry. She ended her tribute with a message of love for the 9-1-1 crew and a prayer for comfort for Priem’s family.
The loss of Rico Priem has deeply impacted the 9-1-1 family, with colleagues expressing grief and gratitude for his contributions to the show. Priem’s passing serves as a reminder of the risks faced by crew members in the entertainment industry and the importance of prioritizing safety in the workplace. The cast and crew are coming together to support each other during this difficult time and to honor Priem’s memory. His legacy as a dedicated and passionate crew member will continue to be remembered by those who had the privilege of working with him.
The tragic death of Rico Priem has highlighted the need for increased safety measures and awareness in the entertainment industry. Crew members, like Priem, play a crucial role in bringing TV shows and movies to life, and their well-being should be a top priority for production companies and studios. The 9-1-1 cast and crew are grieving the loss of their colleague and friend, remembering him as a devoted and knowledgeable professional. The industry as a whole is reflecting on the impact of Priem’s passing and emphasizing the importance of ensuring a safe working environment for all those involved in the production process.
