Riverdale’s KJ Apa Fell Asleep At Wheel And Crashed Car After 16-Hour Work Day

Dean Buscher / ©The CW / courtesy Everett Collection

Riverdale star KJ Apa was involved in a late night car crash following a reported 16-hour work day this past week.

The Hollywood Reporter claims that the 20-year old actor who plays Archie Andrews fell asleep at the wheel while driving the 45-minute trip home after midnight. Apa sustained no injuries but his car was reportedly destroyed after hitting a light pole.

Apa’s Riverdale costar, Cole Sprouse, had reportedly planned to get a ride with Apa that evening but changed his plans last minute. Sprouse also allegedly requested after the frightening incident that actors working late hours should be provided with transportation home from set.

Us Weekly reached out to Warner Bros for a statement responding to the incident. “The safety of the cast and crew on all of our productions is of paramount importance to the Studio. Productions adhere to the Screen Actors Guild–mandated turnaround time of 12 hours from wrap time to next day call time for cast members,” the studio said.

“In accordance with industry standard policy, if any cast or crew member feels tired or unsafe at any time after working, the Studio will provide a taxi, a driver or a hotel room upon request. This is communicated to all cast and crew, both in writing and verbally, at the beginning of production and is reiterated continuously throughout the duration of production.”

As for KJ specifically, Warner Bros. disputed the fact he worked 16 hours and also denied that he was taken to hospital, “First and foremost, we are extremely grateful that KJ Apa was uninjured during his recent accident. Secondarily, we want to specifically address the characterization that conditions on the set of Riverdale are of concern. We have a large cast of series regulars, and our actors do not work every day. On the day of the accident, KJ worked 14.2 hours. The previous day he worked 2.5 hours, and the day before that he worked 7.7 hours. ”

“KJ has repeatedly been informed about making production aware if he is tired or feels unsafe, and if so, either a ride or hotel room will be provided for him. The accident occurred last Thursday. Additionally, it is untrue that KJ was taken to the hospital. He was treated by first responders on the scene and released by them. We also sent a doctor to his home later that same day for a follow-up to confirm his well-being.”