9-1-1 Veteran Crew Member Rico Priem was on the Brink of Retirement

A veteran crew member, Rico Priem was widely known for working on Star Trek, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and The X Files. He passed away in a car crash on May 11, 2024.

The 66-year-old was driving home in his Toyota Highlander after working 14 hours on the set of the ABC series “9-1-1.”

Rico’s Highlander left the freeway during his drive home and flipped onto its roof, leading to his demise at the scene.

The 9-1-1 community is mourning his loss. Meanwhile, 20th Television, which produces the series, expressed its condolences on the tragic incident.

Rico Priem was a Veteran Crew Member with Experience of Almost Three Decades

Rico Priem boasted 28 years of experience and expertise in the camera and electrical department. He was known as the “Best Boy Grip.”

The 9-1-1 crew member Rico was born on August 5, 1957. The then-22-year-old best boy Grip graduated from the University of Vermont in 1979.

According to a post by a costume designer who knew Rico, he was on the point of retiring from his prolonged career.

The veteran grip boy had already filed paperwork for retirement and wanted to spend quality time with his wife, Sandy Angelo.

Words cannot express the pain Sandy must be experiencing at the moment. We wish her immense courage during the ordeal.

Previously, Rico Priem and his wife, Sandy, visited Geoffrey’s Malibu in January 2016 for Sandy’s birthday.

In nearly no time, the couple took to their respective Facebook account to share some beautiful moments of their visit.

As important as the cast members are, the mostly overlooked crew members who work behind the camera are also vital to the filmmaking.

With his impressive career resume, Rico became the epitome and voice for all the often-overlooked crew members working behind the camera.

Meanwhile, Reddit users discuss the issues contributing to Rico’s tragic demise. One major problem is the excessive working hours, and the other is the necessity of driving home after long shifts.

The users offered condolences while some shared instances of similar situations their loved ones faced. One comment reads,’

My husband works in the industry. A short day is considered 12 hours. Usually 14-16 with drive time. He’s been on nights and I get so worried with him driving

Likewise, IATSE has also raised concerns regarding the long working hours, prompting to shorten the workdays for the crew members.

Rico’s Career Journey from Early Beginnings to Acclaimed Grip in Hollywood

Rico kicked off his career with Sworn to Justice in 1996. The following year, he worked on a TV movie, “The Beneficiary” in 1997.

The crew member worked on at least four projects from 1996 to 1998, the two years from the inception of his career.

He secured the best boy grip position in the 1997 film Sparkler. The following year, Rico earned the position of the Key grip in Modern Vampires in 1998.

With growing expertise and experience, there was no looking back for Rico.

One of his acclaimed works is the 1998 PG-13-rated movie The X Files, where he worked in the grip department and visual effects team.

He landed the position of the “best boy grip” in the Marvel Studios movie “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.”

Some of Rico’s works include S.W.A.T., A Night in the Academy Museum, The Free Fall, Moxie, Trouble Creek, and more.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to Rico’s family, friends, and loved ones. The film industry will undoubtedly miss this incredible talent for his remarkable works.