The case of Sarah Jones, member of IATSE Local 600 (United States)

Feb. 2014

Fatal accident

• Sarah Jones, aged 27, was tragically killed during the filming of the movie Midnight Rider.
• Sarah Jones was a camera operator and assistant director (fans of The Vampire Diaries may recognize her name). She died after being struck by a freight train while the film crew was shooting a scene on a train track.

Sarah Jones, IATSE Local 600

Details

• The incident occurs in the state of Georgia, US, on a 110-year-old rail bridge over the Altamaha River.
• Randall Miller, the director of Midnight Rider, allegedly did not obtain the authorization to film at that location.
• The accident raises awareness in Hollywood about the safety of technical teams.

March 2015

A historic verdict

• Randall Miller (director) and Jay Sedrish (executive producer) are found guilty of criminal trespass and involuntary manslaughter.
• Randall Miller receives a sentence of 2 years in prison and 8 years of probation, as well as a fine of $20,000 and 360 hours of community service.
• He no longer has the right to act as an occupational health and safety supervisor on any production for 10 years.
• Jay Sedrish receives 10 years of probation.

Not convicted

• Jody Savin (staff) was charged but the charges were dismissed.
• The railroad company (CSX Corporation) was not prosecuted.