Understanding the Tragic Fatality of Sarah Jones During the Midnight Rider Accident

Sarah Jones, a crew member on the set of Midnight Rider, tragically lost her life during filming in 2014. These incidents serve as a stark reminder that even Hollywood is not immune to devastating accidents during the production process.

The tragic death of camera assistant Sarah Jones on the set of the movie Midnight Rider is one of the most notable on-set fatalities. Recently circulated footage of the event on social media has reignited interest in Jones' passing as viewers seek to understand what happened that day.

Sarah Jones death on Midnight Rider set explained

The production of Midnight Rider, a biographical drama film adapted from the novel My Cross to Bear by rock singer Gregg Allman, commenced in 2014 with William Hurt, Zoey Deutch, Eliza Dushku, and Wyatt Russell lined up to play leading roles.

On February 20, the movie's production crew set up on an active railroad trestle bridge over the Altamaha River in Wayne County, Georgia for the first official day of filming. The plan was to conduct a "camera test" for a dream sequence featuring Hurt portraying Allman in a heavy metal hospital bed on the live railway.

After two CSX trains passed by, the crew attempted to conduct the test. However, a third train unexpectedly approached the crew's location, and they had only about a minute to get to safety.

The footage reveals that the crew was unaware of the train's high speed (reportedly 58 miles per hour) and attempted to clear camera equipment and a metal bed from the trestle before the train's arrival. Unfortunately, they were unable to clear the bed in time, resulting in several crew members, including Jones, becoming trapped on the trestle. As a result, the train collided with and destroyed the metal bed, causing fragments to strike Jones and ultimately leading to her fatal fall towards the train.

According to a report from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation via The Hollywood Reporter, her cause of death was attributed to "multiple injuries due to railroad train" and deemed an "accident." This tragic event led to charges of involuntary manslaughter and criminal trespass being filed against the director, screenplay writer, executive producer, and first assistant director.

Sergeant Ben Robertson's incident report stated that Sedrish did not comply with CSX's request to move the production to a different location. He reported that Mr. Sedrish responded to an employee of CSX asking if he had permission to be on the trestle or tracks with the comment, "That's complicated."

Two months after Jones' passing, Allman filed a lawsuit against both Miller and Sedrish in an attempt to halt the production of the movie, claiming they had not paid the agreed option price for the film rights or started primary photography by the designated date in the option contract. The outcome of this case has not been publicly revealed, as Allman and Miller's lawyers reached a settlement out of court.

Jones' parents filed a wrongful death claim against the producers and CSX one month after Allman's suit, resulting in a jury awarding them $11.2 million in damages. On March 9, 2015, both Miller and Sedrish pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 10 years, with Miller serving two years in prison before going on probation, and Sedrish receiving a sentence limited to probation with no jail time.

Schwartz received a 10-year probation sentence after pleading guilty, while Savin had charges dropped when Miller agreed to plead guilty.

Following Sarah Jones' tragic death, no production company has attempted to complete the story of Midnight Rider, and it remains uncertain if anyone ever will.

To check out more of Dexerto’s TV and movie coverage, click here.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate film enthusiast, the tragic fate of Sarah Jones during the Midnight Rider accident deeply saddens me. It's heartbreaking to learn about the circumstances surrounding her untimely demise, especially considering that it could have been prevented with proper safety measures and adherence to regulations. The fact that the crew was unaware of the train's high speed and attempted to clear equipment in a rush only adds to the tragedy.

The subsequent legal proceedings and the outcome of the lawsuits highlight the importance of accountability and justice in such cases. It's commendable that Jones' family was able to seek legal recourse and obtain compensation for their loss, and that those responsible were held accountable for their actions. However, it's disheartening to know that the production of Midnight Rider was ultimately halted, leaving the story untold and Sarah Jones' legacy forever intertwined with this tragic event.