“It didn’t feel right. I didn’t feel safe there.”
The recent passing of Sarah Jones, the 27 year old camera assistant has spread grief and anger throughout Hollywood, New York, Atlanta, and sets all across the globe. Thousands have centered around #SlatesForSarah, a movement to make sure Sarah’s death does not go unnoticed.
Recently, the Hollywood Reporter, discussed in detail what happened in those final moments before the accident that hurt several people and left Jones’ face and body mangled on the train tracks.
The movie was Midnight Rider. An indie biopic centering on Gregg Allman the 1970s rocker. Joyce Gilliard, was a 42 year old hairstylist working on Midnight Rider. In an interview with THR, she commented that, as soon as she got to the location, something did not feel right. “It didn’t feel right. I didn’t feel safe there.”
As the day continued, the director Randall Miller decided to move on and shoot the scene on the train trestle itself, which can be seen below. It is reported that the trestle’s wood was filled with pebbles and in some places, holes. The weather conditions were not perfect. Harsh winds were making it difficult for anyone to stay steady on the tracks, according to Gillard.
In a brief meeting before filming, a voice shouted that the crew had 60 seconds, in case a train was headed their way. “Everybody on the crew was tripping over that,” says Gilliard. “A minute? Are you serious?” Members of the crew were so nervous for their lives, that they gathered in an informal prayer circle. “Lord, please protect us on these tracks,” murmured Gilliard. “Surround us with your angels and help us, Lord.”
Now, here are the final moments. Jones was setting up the shot for the scene. Loading filming, monitoring the cameras and transporting gear. The scene required a twin-size metal frame bed and mattress to lay on the train tracks. Then, in the distance a train was approaching at 60 mph. The train was as big as the trestle, leaving little to no space to hide. Sarah Jones was trying to save several bags, when she shouted out asking what she should do with the expensive camera equipment. “Drop it!” Gilliard and others yelled. “Just drop it!”. Other crew members were trying to remove the metal bed frame and mattress from the tracks in fear that it would derail the train. But, it was too late. In an attempt to avoid being struck by the train, Joyce Gillard and Sarah Jones tried to find shelter on the gangplank.
Gilliard’s arm would snap like a twig against the train as it flew past and Jones’ lifeless body and face would be found mangled on the train tracks.
Since the tragic incident investigations have widened to include the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Georgia law enforcement authorities are treating the investigation into Jones’ death as a negligent homicide.
Ray Brown, president of the Motion Picture Studio Mechanics union local 479 in Atlanta suggested the incident could have been avoided.
“When I have done train work or around trains for smaller productions up to major blockbusters, there are always several railroad personnel there with their hard hats, glasses and radios, and I can’t imagine a more structured safety protocol even beyond airlines than the rail system.”
CSX, the Florida-based railway company that owns the tracks, told the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office that it never granted Midnight Rider’s producers permission to film on the tracks in the first place.
On March 2nd in Jones’ hometown, nearly 900 people gathered to say goodbye at the Ashaland United Methodist Church. Her father play a song called “Andy’s Song,” a tune about his own father he had composed and played for Sarah only a few weeks prior, when he found himself stranded in Atlanta by the snowstorm. It was the last time he saw her in person.
Source: THR
