How did Rico Priem die? 9-1-1 crew member’s cause of death revealed after his passing last month

Rico Priem, a dedicated crew member on the TV series 9-1-1, passed away from natural causes, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

Initially thought to have died from falling asleep at the wheel after a long 14-hour shift on the show, it was later determined through an autopsy that he suffered from sudden cardiac dysfunction exacerbated by cardiomegaly, an enlargement of the heart, particularly the left ventricle. Officials have now classified his death as natural.

The incident occurred as Priem was driving home from Pomona to Woodland Hills. His vehicle crashed on the freeway.

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Rico Priem's fatal accident and industry response

Rico Priem, aged 66, was on his way home at approximately 4:30 a.m when the SUV in question veered off the 57 Freeway in San Dimas. His car rammed into a tree, went over an incline, and overturned. The accident happened near Via Verde Drive.

While initial reports suggested the circumstances that led to the accident, the actual cause was determined later on as his vehicle “left the roadway for unknown reasons, went up an embankment, and flipped onto its roof. ” Priem died on the spot.

Priem’s death has brought attention to issues within the entertainment industry as studios continue negotiations with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). Safety concerns have been a constant theme with the union especially on the side of dangers that come with long working hours which leads to highly dangerous fatigue especially when driving back home.

The contributory factors giving rise to these concerns were recently illustrated by the tragic event concerning Rico Priem, who was driving after completing a 14-hour shift. As a result, efforts for shorter working days and more extended breaks for all crews have increased significantly.

In the aftermath of Rico Priem’s demise, IATSE released a statement assuring its members of their concern and commitment towards ensuring their safety and wellbeing while, at the same time, extending their condolences to the family of the deceased. They said that workers have the right to reach and from work without putting their lives at risk and that no one should have to endure dangerous situations while searching for a means of earning a living.

The autopsy report, released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office to Variety, found that Priem died of a "sudden cardiac dysfunction," with no fatal traumatic injuries present. The toxicology report confirmed that Rico Priem was not under the influence of alcohol or other drugs at the time of the accident, further clarifying the natural causes behind his tragic death.

Rico Priem was a grip and a member of Local 80, with an impressive career that included work on Major Crimes, Deadwood, and Six Feet Under. He was on the verge of retirement when he died, according to a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $60,000 in his memory.

Following news of Rico Priem's death, his fellow grip and union member Nina Moskol posted a heartfelt remembrance on social media, calling him "an Extraordinary Best Boy Grip."

"He was so jazzed about what he had learned about retiring, he wanted to teach the ins and outs of retirement at the local." Moskol wrote.

IATSE expressed sadness and extended condolences, as did the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which bargains on behalf of the studios.

In a statement, 20th Television expressed their deepest sympathies to Rico Priem's family and friends on behalf of the studio and the entire 9-1-1 team.

The union contract provides that if a worker is too tired to drive home, they can request a ride or a hotel stay without fear of retaliation. In its ongoing negotiations with the studios, the union has raised concerns about “Fraturdays” — shifts that start on Friday afternoon and run into Saturday morning, highlighting the potential dangers of such exhausting schedules.