As Season 7 of 911 came to an official close, the season finale of ABC’s hit drama closed the season with a touching tribute to a late member of the cast with a dedication in his honor. 

“In loving memory of Rico Preim,” read the dedication which aired directly after the season 7 finale episode. It was a tribute designed to honor Priem, who sadly died in a car accident earlier in May while on his way home after production had wrapped on 911 for the day. 

According to Variety, Priem was heading home and traveling north on the 57 Freeway in San Dimas when his car traveled up an embankment and flipped. Sadly, Priem was pronounced dead on the scene. 

Production wrapped shortly after 4 am and Priem’s accident occurred as he was driving home following a 14-hour day on set. It’s unclear exactly what role Priem played in the production of the show but we do know he was a member of the I.A.T.S.E. Local 80 team and had been working as a day player on 911. 

Following Priem’s tragic passing, Matt Loeb, president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees released an official statement mourning the death of Priem while pledging their support to his family and colleagues. 

“Everyone in the IA family is shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss,” Matt Loeb, president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, said in a statement. “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 tribute at the end of the 911 season 7 finale was a touching way to honor Priem’s legacy and the work he put into making the show we all know and love. 

On behalf of the Hidden Remote team, our condolences go out to Priem’s family and loved ones, as well as the entire 911 cast and crew.