Midnight Rider (film)#Incidents

• William Hurt as Gregg Allman{{cite news|last=Sneider|first=Jeff|title=William Hurt to Play Gregg Allman in Biopic 'Midnight Rider'|url=https://www.thewrap.com/william-hurt-play-gregg-allman-biopic-midnight-rider/|accessdate=February 21, 2014|newspaper=TheWrap|date=January 6, 2014|archive-date=February 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219114543/http://www.thewrap.com/william-hurt-play-gregg-allman-biopic-midnight-rider/|url-status=live}}
• Tyson Ritter as young Gregg Allman{{cite news|last=McNary|first=Dave|title=Gregg Allman Biopic Casts Tyson Ritter as Lead Role|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/gregg-allman-biopic-casts-tyson-ritter-as-lead-role-1200954080/|accessdate=February 21, 2014|newspaper=Variety|publisher=Penske Business Media|date=December 13, 2013|archive-date=December 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218144903/http://variety.com/2013/film/news/gregg-allman-biopic-casts-tyson-ritter-as-lead-role-1200954080/|url-status=live}}
• Zoey Deutch as Mae{{cite news|last=Sneider|first=Jeff|title='Vampire Academy' Star Zoey Deutch Lands Female Lead in Gregg Allman Biopic|url=https://www.thewrap.com/vampire-academy-star-zoey-deutch-lands-female-lead-gregg-allman-biopic/|accessdate=February 21, 2014|newspaper=TheWrap|date=January 22, 2014|archive-date=February 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221132241/http://www.thewrap.com/vampire-academy-star-zoey-deutch-lands-female-lead-gregg-allman-biopic/|url-status=live}}
• Eliza Dushku as Rita{{cite news|last=Kit|first=Borys|title=Eliza Dushku, Bradley Whitford Join Gregg Allman Biopic|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/eliza-dushku-bradley-whitford-join-678450|accessdate=February 21, 2014|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 7, 2014|archive-date=February 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209070602/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/eliza-dushku-bradley-whitford-join-678450|url-status=live}}
• Wyatt Russell as Duane Allman
• Bradley Whitford as Michael Lehman
• Joel David Moore as Bill McEuen
• Chad Lindberg as Joseph L. Campbell{{cite news|title=Chad Lindberg Catches 'Midnight Rider'|url=https://deadline.com/2014/02/chad-lindberg-midnight-rider-gregg-allman-cory-michael-smith-todd-haynes-carol-674973/|access-date=February 21, 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|publisher=PMC|date=February 4, 2014|archive-date=March 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307065549/http://www.deadline.com/2014/02/chad-lindberg-midnight-rider-gregg-allman-cory-michael-smith-todd-haynes-carol/|url-status=live}}
• Charles S. Dutton as Chank Middleton{{cite news|last=Kit|first=Borys|title=Gregg Allman Biopic Adds Three More|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/gregg-allman-biopic-adds-three-680562|accessdate=February 21, 2014|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 14, 2014|archive-date=March 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301183227/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/gregg-allman-biopic-adds-three-680562|url-status=live}}
• Aldis Hodge
• Kathy Baker

On May 18, 2013, it was announced that Open Road Films, Randall Miller and Jody Savin planned to film a biopic based on Gregg Allman's autobiography My Cross To Bear. Miller was announced as the director and co-writer of the screenplay with Savin.

When Open Road Films was announced as the US distribution partner{{cite news|title=Open Road To Bring Gregg Allman Biopic To U.S. Theaters|url=https://deadline.com/2013/05/cannes-open-road-to-bring-gregg-allman-biopic-to-u-s-theaters-503453/|access-date=February 21, 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|publisher=PMC|date=May 18, 2013|archive-date=May 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525021234/http://www.deadline.com/2013/05/cannes-open-road-to-bring-gregg-allman-biopic-to-u-s-theaters/|url-status=live}} this was a substantial boost to the independent production, as it is owned by AMC Theatres and Regal Entertainment Group, and thus at the time could directly distribute to approximately 31% of the nation's theaters.{{cite news|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|url=https://deadline.com/2011/03/theater-chains-amc-regal-launch-distribution-venture-open-road-with-tom-ortenberg-at-head-111698/|title=Theater Chains AMC, Regal Launch Distribution Venture Open Road With Tom Ortenberg At Helm|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=March 7, 2011|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=August 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804121044/https://deadline.com/2011/03/theater-chains-amc-regal-launch-distribution-venture-open-road-with-tom-ortenberg-at-head-111698/|url-status=live}} Open Road Films' Tom Ortenberg said, "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of this movie. Gregg Allman's story is fascinating and we are looking forward to working with Randall, Jody and Gregg to bring this project to theaters."{{cite news |last=Kilday |first=Gregg |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cannes-open-road-distribute-gregg-524968 |title=Cannes: Open Road to Distribute Gregg Allman Biopic |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=May 18, 2013 |accessdate=August 26, 2014 |archive-date=October 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012163831/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cannes-open-road-distribute-gregg-524968 |url-status=live }} Miller and Savin would produce, along with their business partner Brad Rosenberger, and work closely with Allman and his manager Michael Lehman, who would serve as executive producers.{{cite news |last=McNary |first=David |url=https://variety.com/2013/more/news/gregg-allman-biopic-set-1200483450/ |title=Gregg Allman Biopic Set |work=Variety |date=May 18, 2013 |access-date=December 9, 2017 |archive-date=August 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806101032/http://variety.com/2013/more/news/gregg-allman-biopic-set-1200483450/ |url-status=live }}

The name of the film was announced as Midnight Rider: The Gregg Allman Story on November 1, 2013,{{cite news |last=McNary |first=Dave |url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/gregg-allman-biopic-1200785025/ |title=AFM: Gregg Allman Biopic to Shoot in January (EXCLUSIVE) |work=Variety |date=November 1, 2013 |access-date=December 9, 2017 |archive-date=September 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910044053/http://variety.com/2013/film/news/gregg-allman-biopic-1200785025/ |url-status=live }} and was followed with promotional artwork, a Facebook page, and casting calls using that title.{{cite news |last=Agular |first=Carlos |url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/sydneylevine/isa-of-the-day-the-exchange-brings-accident-to-afm-international-film-business-distribution |title=ISA of the Day: The Exchange brings 'Accident' and 'Midnight Rider: The Gregg Allman Story' to AFM |work=Indiewire |date=November 12, 2013 |accessdate=August 27, 2014 |archive-date=November 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114142049/http://blogs.indiewire.com/sydneylevine/isa-of-the-day-the-exchange-brings-accident-to-afm-international-film-business-distribution |url-status=live }}{{failed verification|date=April 2015}}

File:CSX 6970 crossing Cherokee Lake.jpg in Cherokee Lake, Georgia carrying a CSX train in 2020]]

On Thursday, February 20, 2014, the film crew was transported an hour from Meddin Studios to a remote location for a "camera test". They had permission to film on property that was secured by fencing, owned by Rayonier for mill operations. Running through this property was CSX railroad property, which included Wayne County's historic Doctortown railroad trestle. CSX claims that the production asked twice for permission to use its property, and was denied both times in writing. Sergeant Ben Robertson later wrote in an incident report, "In my presence, Mr. Sedrish was asked by an employee of CSX if he had permission to be on the trestle or tracks and Mr. Sedrish replied, 'That's complicated.{{' "}}

Under Miller's direction, the crew prepared and started filming a dream sequence involving William Hurt as Allman on a heavy, metal hospital bed on a live railroad trestle, high above the Altamaha River. The producers had assured the cast and crew that it was safe to film on the trestle. Even though official shooting of the film was scheduled to begin on February 24, in and around Savannah, and February 20 had been called a camera test, it seems that the producers intended to shoot a substantial scene without the full crew.

While they were filming, a CSX freight train came around a curve at {{Convert|58|mph|km/h m/s|abbr=on}}, giving the cast and crew less than a minute to evacuate the filming location, a substantial way out onto the trestle. The only escape route was toward the oncoming train. Video of the crew indicates that they were unaware how fast it was approaching; some attempted to remove camera equipment and the metal bed from the trestle. They failed to remove the bed before the train rolled through, and many of the crew were trapped on the trestle. The train struck and shattered the metal bed, sending shrapnel toward crew members. Fragments struck camera assistant Sarah Jones and propelled her toward the still fast-moving train, killing her instantly.{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=Ted|title=Train Accident Kills Crew Member of Gregg Allman Biopic|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/midnight-rider-crew-member-killed-in-georgia-train-accident-1201114468/|accessdate=February 21, 2014|newspaper=Variety|publisher=Penske Business Media|date=February 20, 2014|archive-date=February 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221041021/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/midnight-rider-crew-member-killed-in-georgia-train-accident-1201114468/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2014/10/midnight-rider-death-timeline-sarah-jones-train-accident-investigation-1201266684/|title='Midnight Rider' Crew Kept In Dark Over Safety, Federal Investigation Reveals|first=Anita Busch,Jen|last=Yamato|date=October 30, 2014|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=February 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209130242/https://deadline.com/2014/10/midnight-rider-death-timeline-sarah-jones-train-accident-investigation-1201266684/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/camera-assistant-killed-midnight-rider-train-accident-26618524|title=Video: Camera Assistant Killed in 'Midnight Rider' Train Accident|website=ABC News|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111145439/https://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/camera-assistant-killed-midnight-rider-train-accident-26618524|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/footage-shows-midnight-rider-cast-crew-running-train-26618564|title=Video: Footage Shows 'Midnight Rider' Cast, Crew Running From Train|website=ABC News|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103052745/https://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/footage-shows-midnight-rider-cast-crew-running-train-26618564|url-status=live}}{{cite press release |title=Railroad Accident Brief: Film Crew Trespassing on CSX Right-of-Way|url=https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/RAB1501.pdf|accessdate=March 26, 2015|publisher=NTSB|date=March 23, 2015}} Hurt, who was to be lying on the hospital bed in the scene, got off the trestle before the train hit the bed, collecting splinters on his bare feet as he ran across the ties, and then onto sharp rocks on the shore.{{cite news |url=https://deadline.com/2015/06/william-hurt-midnight-rider-details-sarah-jones-death-1201455735/ |title=William Hurt In His Own Words On What Happened On Set Of 'Midnight Rider' |first=Anita |last=Busch |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=2015-06-25 |accessdate=2018-08-14 |archive-date=August 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814170253/https://deadline.com/2015/06/william-hurt-midnight-rider-details-sarah-jones-death-1201455735/ |url-status=live }} Several other crew members were injured and taken to the hospital, such as hair stylist Joyce Gilliard, who suffered a fractured arm.{{cite news|last=Dickey|first=Josh|title=Crew Member on Greg Allman Biopic 'Midnight Rider' Killed During Train Mishap|url=https://www.thewrap.com/train-mishap-kills-camera-assistant-shooting-gregg-allman-biopic-midnight-rider/|accessdate=February 21, 2014|newspaper=TheWrap|date=February 20, 2014|archive-date=February 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221075421/http://www.thewrap.com/train-mishap-kills-camera-assistant-shooting-gregg-allman-biopic-midnight-rider/|url-status=live}}

The trestle the film crew was on is a historic bridge crossing the Altamaha River in Wayne County where the Battle of Altamaha Bridge took place. According to the NTSB preliminary report, the train was traveling at {{Convert|58|mph|km/h m/s|abbr=on}} and the speed limit for this section of track was {{Convert|70|mph|km/h m/s|abbr=on}}.{{cite news |last=NTSB |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/reports/2014/Jesup_GA_Rail_Prelim.pdf |title=Preliminary Report Railroad DCA14FR005 |work=National Transportation Safety Board |date=March 2014 |accessdate=August 21, 2014 |archive-date=August 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821104126/https://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/reports/2014/Jesup_GA_Rail_Prelim.pdf |url-status=live }} On February 21, sheriff's deputies identified the deceased as Jones, and confirmed that seven others were injured in the incident.{{cite news|last=Sacks|first=Ethan|title=Crew member killed by train during filming of Gregg Allman biopic 'Midnight Rider', seven others injured|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/crewmember-killed-train-filming-midnight-rider-article-1.1654369|accessdate=February 22, 2014|newspaper=Daily News|date=February 21, 2014|archive-date=February 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222020212/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/crewmember-killed-train-filming-midnight-rider-article-1.1654369|url-status=live}}

Executive producer Nick Gant, creative director and principal of Meddin Studios, denied any wrongdoing or negligence in the incident, told Variety that the crew was extremely well qualified, and blamed the railway company for the mishap.{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=Ted|title=Midnight Rider' Exec on Fatal Train Accident: 'No Corners Were Cut'|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/midnight-run-crew-on-fatal-train-accident-no-corners-were-cut-1201116646/|accessdate=April 15, 2014|newspaper=Variety|publisher=Penske Business Media|date=February 22, 2014|archive-date=March 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330015956/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/midnight-run-crew-on-fatal-train-accident-no-corners-were-cut-1201116646/|url-status=live}} On February 24, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office released an incident report that said the production company had been denied permission by CSX to film on the trestle.{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=Ted|title=Sheriff's Report: 'Midnight Rider' Was Denied Railroad Permit, According to CSX Email|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/midnight-rider-fatality-sherrif-report-says-csx-denied-permission-for-shooting-1201119180/|accessdate=February 26, 2014|newspaper=Variety|publisher=Penske Business Media|date=February 24, 2014|archive-date=February 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225171746/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/midnight-rider-fatality-sherrif-report-says-csx-denied-permission-for-shooting-1201119180/|url-status=live}} The investigation was later expanded to include the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Railroad Administration and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, investigating Jones's death as a negligent homicide.{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=Scott|title=A Train, a Narrow Trestle and 60 Seconds to Escape: How 'Midnight Rider' Victim Sarah Jones Lost Her Life|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/midnight-rider-accident-sarah-jones-death-gregg-allman-685976|accessdate=March 31, 2014|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|date=March 4, 2014|archive-date=March 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328221021/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/midnight-rider-accident-sarah-jones-death-gregg-allman-685976|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nola.com/movies/index.ssf/2014/04/death_of_georgia_film_crew_mem.html|title=Death of Georgia film crew member hit by train was 'senseless,' father says|work=NOLA.com|accessdate=November 4, 2014|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006073823/http://www.nola.com/movies/index.ssf/2014/04/death_of_georgia_film_crew_mem.html|url-status=live}}

Producers had intended to continue filming immediately following the tragedy, evidenced by their request for new film permits from the city of Savannah,{{cite news |last=Schweier |first=Philip |url=https://www.savannahbusinessjournal.com/index.php/news-sp-175186560/economic-development/3918-allman-film-shutting-down-indefinitely-after-train-crash-possible-criminal-charges-still-looming.html |title=Allman film |work=Savannah Business Journal |date=March 3, 2014 |accessdate=August 26, 2014 |archive-date=August 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827071834/https://www.savannahbusinessjournal.com/index.php/news-sp-175186560/economic-development/3918-allman-film-shutting-down-indefinitely-after-train-crash-possible-criminal-charges-still-looming.html |url-status=live }} but on February 26, 2014, Film Allman, LLC announced that the production was on hold due to Jones's death and the injuries to crew members. Miller hired public relations strategist Matthew Hiltzik, of Hiltzik Strategies, on February 27, to address the negative press coverage.{{cite news |last=Emery |first=Debbie |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/midnight-rider-director-randall-miller-684266 |title='Midnight Rider' Director Randall Miller Working With PR Strategist |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=February 27, 2014 |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=April 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415071933/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/midnight-rider-director-randall-miller-684266 |url-status=live }} On April 14, 2014, it was reported that Miller was planning to resume filming in Los Angeles in June 2014.{{cite news|last1=Yamato|first1=Jen|last2=Busch|first2=Anita|title='Midnight Rider' Director Randall Miller Attempting To Move Forward With Film In LA Following Sarah Jones Death|url=https://deadline.com/2014/04/midnight-rider-sarah-jones-death-los-angeles-filming-714602/|access-date=April 15, 2014|newspaper=Deadline Hollywood|date=April 14, 2014|archive-date=April 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416084429/http://www.deadline.com/2014/04/midnight-rider-sarah-jones-death-los-angeles-filming/|url-status=live}}

On April 17, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees said that Unclaimed Freight Productions had notified them that they would begin pre-production "in a couple weeks", but that the company "did not ask for permission and was not granted permission to restart production". IATSE also said, "As uncomfortable as this is, we cannot prevent them from starting up again. Whether or not they can get people to work for them is a decision that those people will have to make for themselves."{{cite news|last=Emery|first=Debbie|title='Midnight Rider' to Resume Production in Los Angeles, IATSE Says|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/midnight-rider-resume-production-los-696683|accessdate=April 17, 2014|newspaper=hollywoodreporter.com|date=April 16, 2014|archive-date=April 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419045742/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/midnight-rider-resume-production-los-696683|url-status=live}}

In response to Miller's and Savin's decision to resume filming, film crews that had remained largely silent on the details of pending criminal investigations mounted a very vocal protest against the production company and asked Allman, Open Road Films, Hurt and other actors to withdraw their support for the film. The greatest concern was that despite what seemed to be the production company's negligence, resulting in serious injuries and a death, there was no federal, state or union entity that could prevent them from resuming production. A Facebook group of crew members voicing opposition had grown to more than 10,800 members by April 23 when Hurt announced he was leaving the film.{{cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Matthew |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/22/midnight-rider-boycott_n_5191520.html |title='Midnight Rider' Production Sparks Boycott Campaign In Honor Of Sarah Jones' Death |work=The Huffington Post |date=April 22, 2014 |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=August 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814133648/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/22/midnight-rider-boycott_n_5191520.html |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |last=Breznican |first=Anthony |url=http://insidemovies.ew.com/2014/04/23/midnight-rider-after-on-set-death-william-hurt-withdraws-from-film/ |title='Midnight Rider': After on-set death, William Hurt withdraws from film |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=April 26, 2014}}

Hurt, who was scripted to be lying on the metal bed in the scene, wrote in an email to a friend that the production crew had twice assured him that the bridge scene was safe to film.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-hurt-midnight-rider-20140423,0,1747436.story|title=William Hurt pulls out of 'Midnight Rider'|work=Los Angeles Times|date=April 23, 2014|accessdate=November 4, 2014|archive-date=May 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506062143/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-hurt-midnight-rider-20140423,0,1747436.story|url-status=live}} In a personal letter Allman released to the press on April 25, he asked the producers not to proceed with the film, writing, "Your desires as a filmmaker should not outweigh your obligations as a human being, I am asking you to do the right thing and to set aside your attempts to resume the production out of respect for Sarah, her family and the loss that all of us feel so deeply."{{cite news |url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/gregg-allman-begs-midnight-rider-698952 |title= Gregg Allman Begs 'Midnight Rider' Director Not to Resume Filming |first= Hilary |last= Lewis |date= April 25, 2014 |accessdate= April 30, 2014 |archive-date= April 28, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140428031046/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/gregg-allman-begs-midnight-rider-698952 |url-status= live }} Allman later filed a civil suit against Miller and Savin in an attempt to halt the film. Open Road Films has yet to withdraw their support for it.

Miller, Savin, and Sedrish were charged with involuntary manslaughter and criminal trespass on July 3, 2014.{{cite news |last=Lewis |first=Hilary |title='Midnight Rider' Director Randall Miller, Producers Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter, Criminal Trespass |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/midnight-rider-director-randall-miller-716543 |accessdate=July 3, 2014 |work=Hollywood Reporter |date=July 3, 2014 |archive-date=June 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605040220/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/midnight-rider-director-randall-miller-716543 |url-status=live }} Miller and Savin originally pleaded not guilty.{{cite news|last1=Johnson|first1=Ted|title=Attorney for 'Midnight Rider' Filmmakers: 'They Are Innocent of Any Criminal Conduct'|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/attorney-midnight-rider-filmmakers-say-they-are-innocent-1201262585/|accessdate=July 16, 2014|work=Variety|date=July 15, 2014|archive-date=July 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718150927/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/attorney-midnight-rider-filmmakers-say-they-are-innocent-1201262585/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Lewis|first1=Hilary|title='Midnight Rider' Producer Jay Sedrish Surrenders to Georgia Police|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/midnight-rider-producer-jay-sedrish-719305|accessdate=July 17, 2014|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=July 17, 2014|archive-date=July 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720005905/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/midnight-rider-producer-jay-sedrish-719305|url-status=live}} On September 10, 2014, Hillary Schwartz, the first assistant director of Midnight Rider, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and criminal trespassing.{{cite news |last1=Busch |first1=Anita |last2=Yamato |first2=Jen |url=https://deadline.com/2014/09/midnight-rider-trial-date-set-sarah-jones-involuntary-manslaughter-843486/ |title='Midnight Rider' Trial Date Set For Indicted Filmmakers; 1st Assistant Director Hillary Schwartz Turns Herself In |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=September 30, 2014 |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=October 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025162831/https://deadline.com/2014/09/midnight-rider-trial-date-set-sarah-jones-involuntary-manslaughter-843486/ |url-status=live }}

On March 9, 2015, just before the trial was to commence, the DA agreed to plea bargains for two of the defendants. Miller and Sedrish entered guilty pleas to felony involuntary manslaughter and criminal trespassing, while charges were dropped against Savin as part of Miller's plea.

Miller received a sentence of 10 years, of which he was expected to serve two years in prison followed by probation (during which he would be precluded from working as a director or assistant director or other capacity involving employee safety) as well as pay a fine and do community service. He was immediately remanded to custody after the plea hearing to begin serving his sentence in the Wayne County jail. He was released in March 2016 after serving one year of his term.{{cite news |first=Ted |last=Johnson |title='Midnight Rider' Director Released From Jail |url=https://variety.com/2016/biz/news/midnight-rider-director-released-jail-sarah-jones-1201737496/ |accessdate=March 23, 2016 |work=Variety |date=March 23, 2016 |archive-date=March 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324001721/http://variety.com/2016/biz/news/midnight-rider-director-released-jail-sarah-jones-1201737496/ |url-status=live }}

Sedrish was sentenced to 10 years' probation and a fine, and is likewise precluded from working as a director or assistant director or other capacity involving employee safety. On March 10, 2015, Schwartz pleaded guilty to felony involuntary manslaughter and criminal trespass, and was also sentenced to 10 years' probation.[https://deadline.com/2015/03/midnight-rider-first-ad-hillary-schwartz-guilty-gets-10-years-probation-1201389566/ 'Midnight Rider' First AD Hillary Schwartz Guilty; Gets 10 Years Probation – Update] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605040221/https://deadline.com/2015/03/midnight-rider-first-ad-hillary-schwartz-guilty-gets-10-years-probation-1201389566/ |date=June 5, 2020 }}. Deadline Hollywood, 10 March 2015

In an attempt to halt Miller's and Savin's effort to resume filming Midnight Rider, Allman, the subject of the film and executive producer, filed suit on April 28, 2014, in Chatham County Superior Court.{{cite news |last=McNary |first=Dave |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/midnight-rider-gregg-allman-agrees-to-drop-lawsuit-against-producers-1201179265/ |title='Midnight Rider': Gregg Allman Agrees to Drop Lawsuit Against Producers |work=Variety |date=May 13, 2014 |access-date=December 9, 2017 |archive-date=June 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628222641/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/midnight-rider-gregg-allman-agrees-to-drop-lawsuit-against-producers-1201179265/ |url-status=live }} He claimed that Miller and Savin had failed to pay the agreed option price for the film rights or to start primary photography by the date stipulated in the option contract. After one day of court proceedings that included Miller testifying, the trial ended when Allman's and Miller's attorneys agreed to an out-of-court settlement. Nothing has been publicly revealed about this settlement.

Richard and Elisabeth Jones, Sarah's parents, filed a wrongful death lawsuit on Sarah's behalf against CSX, the film's producers, and related companies and individuals, on May 21, 2014, in Chatham County, Georgia,[http://www.chathamcourts.org/Case-Details/caseno/STCV1400752 Richard Jones And Elizabeth Jones, as the administrators of the estate of Sarah Elizabeth Jones, deceased, v. CSX Transportation Inc and Unknown Corporations A Z] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012114442/http://www.chathamcourts.org/Case-Details/caseno/STCV1400752 |date=October 12, 2014 }}, no. STCV1400752 (Ga. St. Ct. Chatham County, May 21, 2014) where the production was based. The complaint alleged that the defendants "had knowledge, actual or constructive, that the scene filmed on February 20 was to take place on active railroad tracks, without permission from CSX" and that they "knew of the danger presented by filming under those circumstances."{{cite news |last1=Presto |first1=Suzanne |last2=Ford |first2=Dana |url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/21/showbiz/midnight-rider-lawsuit/ |title=Family files lawsuit in death of 'Midnight Rider' crew member Sarah Jones |work=CNN |date=May 22, 2014 |access-date=August 21, 2014 |archive-date=August 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821135333/http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/21/showbiz/midnight-rider-lawsuit/ |url-status=live }} In reply, CSX stated that it had repeatedly denied the producers permission to use its property and railroad trestle. It also revealed that its employees on two previous CSX trains saw the film crew congregating near CSX's property where there is also a railroad crossing. The Joneses' attorneys contended that given these warning signs CSX should have slowed the train and sent an investigator to the site.{{cite news |last=Johnson |first=Ted |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/csx-midnight-rider-filmmakers-denied-access-twice-before-crash-1201296988/ |title=CSX: 'Midnight Rider' Filmmakers Denied Access Twice Before Crash |work=Variety |date=September 3, 2014 |access-date=December 9, 2017 |archive-date=May 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522181100/https://variety.com/2014/film/news/csx-midnight-rider-filmmakers-denied-access-twice-before-crash-1201296988/ |url-status=live }} The Joneses settled with a number of parties before trial.{{cite news |url=https://deadline.com/2014/10/midnight-rider-lawsuit-gregg-allman-open-road-dismissed-1201268162/ |title='Midnight Rider': Open Road & Gregg Allman Dropped From Civil Suit |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=October 30, 2014 |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=September 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190908205046/https://deadline.com/2014/10/midnight-rider-lawsuit-gregg-allman-open-road-dismissed-1201268162/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Patten |first=Dominic |url=https://deadline.com/2014/11/midnight-rider-wrongful-death-settlement-sarah-jones-randall-miller-1201289275/ |title='Midnight Rider' Director & Producers Reach Settlement In Wrongful Death Suit |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=November 19, 2014 |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=March 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308150018/https://deadline.com/2014/11/midnight-rider-wrongful-death-settlement-sarah-jones-randall-miller-1201289275/ |url-status=live }} Defendants CSX, Meddin Studios, and Jeffery Gant remained in the trial.{{cite news |last=Yamato |first=Jen |url=https://deadline.com/2014/11/midnight-rider-sarah-jones-randall-miller-trespassing-lawsuit-1201297132/ |title='Midnight Rider' Director, Producer Seek Escape From Trespass Case |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=November 25, 2014 |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024004103/https://deadline.com/2014/11/midnight-rider-sarah-jones-randall-miller-trespassing-lawsuit-1201297132/ |url-status=live }}

In July 2017, a jury awarded the Joneses $11.2 million.{{cite news |last1=McKay |first1=Rich |title=Family of crew member killed on Allman movie set awarded $11.2 mln |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-georgia-lawsuit-idUSL1N1K91JN |accessdate=July 19, 2017 |work=Reuters |date=July 18, 2017 |archive-date=July 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170719073144/https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-georgia-lawsuit-idUSL1N1K91JN |url-status=live }} Liability for $3.9 million was allocated to CSX, $3.14 million to Miller, and $2 million to Rayonier Performance Fibers, the company that owned the land where the tracks were; the remaining liability was allocated to Savin, Schwartz and Serdish. CSX appealed and ultimately settled with the Joneses for an undisclosed lesser amount while the appeal was pending.{{cite news |last1=Ng |first1=David |title=CSX reaches settlement over death of Sarah Jones on 'Midnight Rider' set |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-csx-sarah-jones-settlement-20190130-story.html |accessdate=July 22, 2019 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=January 30, 2019 |archive-date=July 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723232801/https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-csx-sarah-jones-settlement-20190130-story.html |url-status=live }}CSX Transportation, Inc. v. Richard Jones, as Administrator of the Estate of Sarah Elizabeth Jones, et al., no. A19A1066 (Jan. 30, 2019 Ga. Ct. App.) ([https://www.gaappeals.us/docket/results_one_record.php?docr_case_num=A19A1066 docket] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190908205049/https://www.gaappeals.us/docket/results_one_record.php?docr_case_num=A19A1066 |date=September 8, 2019 }} entry)

On August 12, 2014, Film Allman LLC filed a lawsuit against New York Marine Insurance contending that if it did not receive the $1.6 million insurance payout for the interruption caused by the collision, it would be unable to continue with the production. The lawsuit also revealed that it had rewritten the script, and submitted it to the insurance carrier, to be about 1970s rock music in general, not specifically about Allman. This revelation, along with Allman's undisclosed out-of-court settlement with Film Allman LLC, raised substantial questions about whether the film would still be a "Gregg Allman biopic", based on his autobiography.{{cite news|last1=Patten|first1=Dominic|last2=Yamato|first2=Jen|title='Midnight Rider' Producers, Looking To Restart Pic, Sue Over Denied Insurance Claims|url=https://deadline.com/2014/08/midnight-rider-lawsuit-insurance-company-randall-miller-gregg-allman-819086/|accessdate=August 14, 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=August 13, 2014|archive-date=August 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814073009/http://deadline.com/2014/08/midnight-rider-lawsuit-insurance-company-randall-miller-gregg-allman-819086/|url-status=live}} The insurance policy has a clear stipulation that the insured must adhere to all safety standards and laws to prevent loss, but OSHA cited Film Allman LLC for putting its crew at risk both of falls from the trestle, a "serious citation", and of being struck by a train, a "willful citation", in addition to criminal indictments of the three managing producers and first AD for criminal trespassing and involuntary manslaughter.

On March 23, 2015, the National Transportation Safety Board adopted a final report that cited the probable cause of the accident as "the film crew's unauthorized entry onto the CSX Transportation right-of-way at the Altamaha River bridge with personnel and equipment, despite CSX Transportation's repeated denial of permission to access the railroad property. Contributing to the accident was the adjacent property owner's actions to facilitate the film crew's access to the right-of-way and bridge."

On August 14, 2014, OSHA cited Film Allman LLC for willful and serious citations with a proposed penalty of $74,900.{{cite press release |url=https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=26541 |title=Production company for "Midnight Rider" film cited for willful and serious safety violations following worker fatality and injuries |author=US Dept. of Labor, OSHA Region 4 |publisher=OSHA |date=August 14, 2014 |accessdate=August 21, 2014}} The producers appealed OSHA's charges and fines, and a hearing was set for March 31, 2015, in Savannah.{{needs update inline|date=October 2024}}{{cite news |last=Johnson |first=Ted |url=https://variety.com/2015/biz/news/midnight-rider-hearing-set-on-filmmakers-appeal-of-osha-violations-1201425663/ |title='Midnight Rider': Hearing Set on Filmmakers' Appeal of OSHA Violations |work=Variety |date=February 5, 2015 |access-date=December 9, 2017 |archive-date=June 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628020800/http://variety.com/2015/biz/news/midnight-rider-hearing-set-on-filmmakers-appeal-of-osha-violations-1201425663/ |url-status=live }}

{{update section|date=January 2023|reason=The investigation is presumably complete by now?}}

On October 15, 2014, the Federal Railroad Administration said it was still investigating the collision. A spokesperson said, "The FRA is investigating the February 20, 2014 accident that occurred on the CSX rail line in Nahunta, Georgia. Once completed, the investigation will identify the root cause of the accident, and we will take all appropriate enforcement actions."{{cite news |last=Busch |first=Anita |url=https://deadline.com/2014/10/midnight-rider-investigation-sarah-jones-federal-railroad-administration-ntsb-851313/ |title='Midnight Rider' Accident: Federal Regulators Still Investigating "Root Cause" |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=October 15, 2014 |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=September 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920185523/https://deadline.com/2014/10/midnight-rider-investigation-sarah-jones-federal-railroad-administration-ntsb-851313/ |url-status=live }}

While specific details of the FRA's final report have not been publicly disclosed, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) upheld its citations against Film Allman LLC in September 2015. OSHA cited the company for one willful and one serious safety violation, emphasizing that the management knowingly exposed their crew to moving trains without proper authorization or safety measures. This decision underscored the broader industry implications regarding on-set safety protocols https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osha/osha20150916-0

In its annual report, the National Council on Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) cited Sarah Jones as one of seven case studies of workplace deaths that could have been prevented. Hairstylist Joyce Gilliard, also injured in the collision, spoke about the report on a conference call with reporters and separately said in a statement, "After what I saw and lived through, I want to advocate for safety and prevent any other tragedies or injuries in the workplace."{{cite news |last=Lewis |first=Hilary |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/midnight-rider-accident-highlighted-preventable-698427 |title='Midnight Rider' Accident Highlighted in 'Preventable Deaths' Workplace Study |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=April 23, 2014 |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=September 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190908205046/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/midnight-rider-accident-highlighted-preventable-698427 |url-status=live }}

On October 2, 2014, it was revealed that Miller was in pre-production for a film called Slick Rock Trail and working with casting director Rick Pagano of Pagano/Manwiller Casting. Pagano had also worked with Miller as casting director on Midnight Rider, CBGB, Noble Son and Bottle Shock. It seems the film had similarities to Midnight Rider, including a line from Allman's book that is also a commonly quoted line from the Allman Brothers band's origin story, calling a band with two drummers as a potential train wreck.{{cite news |last1=Busch |first1=Anita |last2=Fleming Jr. |first2=Mike |url=https://deadline.com/2014/10/midnight-rider-director-new-movie-randall-miller-sarah-jones-death-844646/ |title='Midnight Rider' Director Randall Miller Trying To Start New Film About Aging Rocker |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=October 2, 2014 |access-date=October 14, 2014 |archive-date=October 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017045921/http://deadline.com/2014/10/midnight-rider-director-new-movie-randall-miller-sarah-jones-death-844646/ |url-status=live }} It was unclear whether the Slick Rock Trail script was the same one Miller presented as a rewrite of Midnight Rider in his lawsuit against New York Marine Insurance.

{{main|Safety for Sarah movement}}

In the wake of Jones' death, her family, friends, supporters and others in the film industry launched a campaign for greater awareness and attention to safety issues in film and television productions.

• List of film accidents
• Twilight Zone accident
• Rust shooting incident

{{reflist|2}}

{{Randall Miller}}

Category:American biographical drama films

Category:Biographical films about musicians

Category:Cancelled films

Category:Films based on autobiographies

Category:Films directed by Randall Miller

Category:Films shot in Georgia (U.S. state)

Category:Open Road Films films

Category:2010s biographical drama films

Category:2010s unfinished films

Category:Unreleased American films

Category:Cultural depictions of rock musicians

Category:2010s English-language films

Category:2010s American films

Category:English-language biographical drama films