Rico Priem, crew member of “9-1-1”, died of a heart attack according to an autopsy

Courtesy of IATSE

A 9-1-1 crew member who died last month while driving home after a 14-hour workday died of a heart attack, not from driving while drowsy, according to an autopsy report.

Rico Priem, 66, was driving home around 4:30 a.m. when his SUV veered off Highway 57, hit a tree, went up an embankment and overturned.

His death came amid negotiations between the studios and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, touching on a sensitive issue. The union has raised concerns that long hours could put workers at risk of falling asleep on the way home and has pushed for shorter workdays and longer rest breaks.

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office released the autopsy report to diversity on Tuesday. The report found that Priem died of “sudden cardiac arrest” and that there were no fatal traumatic injuries.

The toxicology report showed no evidence of alcohol or other drugs.

Priem was working on the ABC series “9-1-1,” which ended at 4:06 a.m. on Saturday, May 11. About 20 minutes later, he was on his way home when he crashed near Via Verde Drive in San Dimas.

Priem was a lighting technician and member of Local 80 who appeared on television shows such as “Major Crimes,” “Deadwood” and “Six Feet Under.” He was nearing retirement when he died, according to a GoFundMe campaign that raised more than $60,000.

IATSE expressed its sadness at his death and emphasized its commitment to safety.

The show’s producer, 20th Television, and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which negotiates on behalf of the studios, also expressed their condolences.

The collective agreement provides that an employee who is too tired to drive home may request a ride or a hotel stay. The employer will endeavor to accommodate this without retaliation against the employee for making this request.

In its talks with the studios, the union has expressed concerns about “Fraturdays” – a shift that begins on Friday afternoon and lasts until Saturday morning.