Angela Bassett Reflects on the Loss of '9-1-1' Crew Member Rico Priem: A Devastating Blow
Angela Bassett opens up about the heartbreaking loss of Rico Priem, a beloved member of the '9-1-1' team, following a tragic car accident after a long shift. The entire cast and crew are deeply impacted by this tragic event.
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Angela Bassett is grieving the passing of 9-1-1 crew member Rico Priem, who tragically passed away after a 14-hour shift on the ABC series.
Bassett, who is 65 years old, expressed her heartfelt condolences to Priem's friends and family in an interview with Entertainment Tonight on Tuesday, May 14. She shared that everyone on the set of 9-1-1 was deeply saddened by the loss and described it as a very sad moment that has affected them all.
Bassett shared that while working on the seventh season of the series, the cast and crew have celebrated “births” and “weddings” together. However, this is the first time they are dealing with loss. She mentioned that they took a moment on set to pay tribute to Priem, with many heartfelt words spoken about him.
“We felt it was important to come together and show our support to his family,” Bassett continued. “We will miss him, but we know that his family will miss him even more. It was a time for us to offer whatever comfort and assistance we could.”
Priem, a grip and crew member of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 80, tragically passed away in a car accident after his shift on Saturday, May 11. His Toyota Highlander veered off the road and overturned. He was declared deceased at the scene, with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later confirming his identity.
IATSE also confirmed Priem's death, expressing their deep condolences to his family. The organization emphasized their unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all members. In a statement, IATSE stated, "Workers have the right to expect a safe journey to and from work. It is unacceptable for anyone to be endangered while simply trying to earn a living."
Following the tragic passing of Rico Priem, the show's studio, 20th Television, expressed their heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. The AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) also sent their sympathies, stating that their thoughts are with Priem's loved ones and all affected by this unfortunate loss.
One of Priem's colleagues, Nina Moskol, a fellow grip, mentioned that they had recently worked together just last week.
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"He was almost ready to retire, with all his paperwork sorted out," she shared on Instagram on Sunday, May 12. He had big plans for retirement - spending time with his wife, watching his grand-nephew grow up, riding his beloved Harley, and staying connected with friends. He was excited to share his retirement wisdom with others in the local community.
She pointed out that the most dangerous times of the day are the commute to work and back home. She emphasized the importance of staying safe on the road - drive carefully, take breaks if needed, and prioritize safety above all else.
Aisha Hinds, known for her role as Henrietta on the firefighter drama, also expressed her sadness over Priem's passing in a heartfelt statement on Instagram.
In her post alongside a 9-1-1 promo image, she wrote about the deep impact of Priem's death on the 9-1-1 family. She highlighted his dedication to his craft and the wisdom he shared from his years of experience in the industry.
Hinds emphasized the importance of the crew, referring to them as the "unsung heroes" and "cornerstones" of the show. She highlighted individuals like Priem who play a vital role in turning creative ideas into lasting memories cherished by humanity.
Reflecting on Rico's passing on Saturday, May 11th, Hinds expressed the shock and sadness felt by the team. Rico's presence and passion had made a significant impact, and his absence has left a void that has prompted deeper conversations and a renewed focus on supporting one another.
She ended her tribute by expressing her "deep love" for the 9-1-1 crew members. She also mentioned that she was sending a gentle prayer to the sacred soft spots in his family's hearts that are hurting because of his absence.
Editor's P/S:
The tragic loss of Rico Priem, a crew member on the popular television series "9-1-1," has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and the hearts of those who knew him. His untimely passing has also highlighted the often-overlooked dangers that crew members face simply by going to and from work. While the cast and crew of "9-1-1" mourn their loss, they also find solace in celebrating Priem's life and the significant contributions he made to the show.
Priem's colleagues and friends have shared memories of his dedication to his craft and his infectious enthusiasm. His passion for the industry was evident in everything he did, and his experience was invaluable to the success of "9-1-1." Priem's passing has prompted the crew to reflect on the importance of their own safety and the need for greater support and resources for crew members who may be struggling. His legacy will live on through the countless episodes of "9-1-1" that he helped bring to life, and his memory will serve as a reminder of the vital role that crew members play in the entertainment industry.
