CBS Show 'NCIS' Halted After Fatal Crash On Set
LOS ANGELES (CBS 5 / AP) — Authorities said a security guard on the Los Angeles County set of the CBS television show "NCIS" died Wednesday after being struck by a van whose driver apparently blacked out.
The network said production on the show has been suspended while investigators try to determine what caused the accident.
Sheriff's Sgt. Michael Konecny said the van had just dropped off passengers in Santa Clarita when the driver suffered an unspecified medical condition and it accelerated suddenly, striking the guard.
The victim was pronounced dead at a hospital.
CBS released a statement offering condolences to the victim's family and friends.
"Everyone at the network, the studio and NCIS is devastated by the news. Our hearts grieve for his family and friends for this tragic loss," the statement said.
It continued, "We are, of course, cooperating with the local authorities in Santa Clarita to help determine what caused this terrible accident. Production on the show has been suspended."
"NCIS," a drama about Naval criminal investigators, premiered in 2003.
"NCIS" star Pauley Perrette, who plays Abby Sciuto, tweeted about the crash by writing, "It was a tragic accident on the 'NCIS' set. We are all mourning. 'NCIS' cast & crew is a tight knit family. We love each other. All prayers to the family of our security guard. We lost one of our own today."
(Copyright © 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. and The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
