‘9-1-1’ Crew Member Dies in Car Accident After 14-Hour Overnight Shift
A crew member on 9-1-1 died early Saturday in a car accident along the California highway after working a 14-hour overnight shift.
Rico Priem, a 66-year-old grip, was identified as the crash victim, according to Variety, citing the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. He was driving home from set when his Toyota Highlander swerved off the 57 Freeway, went up an embankment, and flipped onto its roof, according to the California Highway Patrol. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
“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,” IATSE, the crew union that represented Priem, said in a statement. “Workers have a reasonable expectation that they can get to work and come home safely. No one should be put in unsafe circumstances while trying to earn a living.”