“9-1-1” Crew Member Dies in Car Accident Following 14-Hour Overnight Shift

"We send our sincere and deepest condolences to Rico Priem’s family and friends," 20th Television said in a statement

The 9-1-1  community is mourning the death of Rico Priem, a crew member who died in the early morning hours of Saturday, May 11. He was 66.

Priem worked as a grip for the beloved ABC drama and was involved in a car accident on the highway after working a 14-hour overnight shift on location in Pomona, Calif., per The Hollywood Reporter, which first reported the news.

20th Television confirmed his death in a statement shared with PEOPLE.

"On behalf of the studio and everyone at 9-1-1, we send our sincere and deepest condolences to Rico Priem’s family and friends," the studio's statement read.

Related: Angela Bassett and Peter Krause on How Their Chemistry on 9-1-1 Brought Them 'Closer Together as Actors' (Exclusive)

Variety, citing the California Highway Patrol (CHP), reported that the incident occurred as Priem, driving a Toyota Highlander, was heading north on the 57 Freeway at Via Verde Drive in San Dimas, Calif. His car left the road, "went up an embankment, and flipped onto its roof," according to the outlet.

PEOPLE have reached out to the CHP for comment.

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) also spoke out about Priem's death in an online statement and confirmed that he was a member of IATSE Local 80.

"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," the statement continued. "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."

PEOPLE has reached out to IATSE Local 80 for comment.

Related: 9-1-1's Peter Krause Admits Ballroom Dancing with Angela Bassett Was 'Much More Difficult' Than 'Stunts' (Exclusive)

"Everyone in the IA family is shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss," IATSE president Matthew D. Loeb added.

"We are working to support our member’s family, their fellow members and colleagues. Safety in all aspects of the work our members do is our highest priority and we will assist in any investigation in any way that we can," the statement continued.

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Priem had many notable credits on his resume, including projects such as Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Star Trek, Christmas With the Kranks, Ghost World, S.W.A.T., and The Company You Keep.

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