The Resident Alien team and staff are in mourning after the passing of Rick Neale, a 41-year-old teamster renowned for his work on various TV series and movies throughout Metro Vancouver
After a prolonged hiatus due to a writer’s strike, Resident Alien returned for its third season on February 14, 2024. In a poignant moment during the episode titled “Lone Wolf,” the Resident Alien cast and crew paid a heartfelt tribute to their late colleague, Rick Neale.
Who is Rick Neale of Resident Alien paid tribute to in season 3 who died in accident, cause of death, obituary, bio, age and wife
The episode was dedicated to the memory of the 41-year-old teamster, who tragically lost his life in a head-on collision on the Trans Canada Highway near Spences Bridge on October 5, 2023. The title card eloquently expressed their sentiments: “In memory of Rick Neale.”
As per recent reports, Rick Neale, known for his contributions to TV series and film productions in Metro Vancouver over the past eight years, transitioned to a long-haul trucker role amidst the Hollywood writers’ strike to provide for his wife and two children.
Tragically, on October 5, he lost his life in a fiery collision on the Trans Canada Highway near Spences Bridge while operating a dump truck.
Having worked on the third season of Syfy’s popular show Resident Alien, which concluded its production on May 1, 2023, Neale found himself seeking alternative employment due to the industry-wide shutdown caused by the writers’ strike in North America.
Neale Took Long-Haul Trucker Job
According to media reports, after the fatal accident, friends of Rick Neale revealed that he took on the role of a long-haul trucker starting May 29, 2023. Despite having mixed feelings about the job he simultaneously loved and despised due to its inherent risks, Neale embraced it to support his family.
During that period, Paul Smith, a friend, remarked, “He ensured his family’s well-being, refusing to let them endure hardship. He was determined to do whatever was necessary, hence he embraced the trucking job.”
Ryan Bieber, another friend, chimed in, “He had mixed feelings about it – a blend of liking and disliking, primarily due to the inherent danger associated with the job.”
Rick Neale’s Family
Rick Neale has left a void in the lives of his wife, Monica, and their two young children, seven-year-old Nathan and five-year-old Lexi, following his passing. In the aftermath of this tragedy, relatives initiated an online fundraising campaign through Ever Loved to provide financial support to the grieving family.
The fundraiser has garnered over $30,000, with a heartfelt message expressing gratitude, “The world mourns the loss of a unique soul— a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Rick will be dearly missed by many.
“In an effort to alleviate the burden on his wife, Monica, and their two children, Nathan and Lexi, we’ve organized this fundraiser to cover funeral expenses. The Neale family extends their heartfelt thanks for your kind words and generosity.”
Syfy’s popular series, Resident Alien, kicked off its third season on February 14th, featuring the return of its central cast, spearheaded by Alan Tudyk in the role of Harry Vanderspeigle.
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