Sarah Jones: Watch The ‘Midnight Rider’ Crew Member’s Tragic Final Moments
So sad. On the Oct. 31 special of ’20/20,’ the terrifying final moments of ‘Midnight Rider’ camera assistant Sarah Jones’ life were captured on video.
Camera assistant Sarah Jones was tragically killed in Feb. 2014 when a freight train sped through the set of Midnight Rider, the film she was currently working on. An ABC News 20/20 segment on Oct. 31 revealed previously unseen footage of the moments right before the 27-year-old’s sudden death.
Sarah Jones’ Death: Video Shows Camera Assistant’s Final Moments
A shocking new report from ABC’s 20/20 provides new insight on what happened the day Sarah died.
In the segment, a camera from inside the CSX freight train shows the horrifying moments before the camerawoman’s tragic death. Crew members and actors William Hurt and Wyatt Russell ran away from the train just seconds before it rolled through the set.
Unfortunately, Sarah wasn’t able to find safety. A hospital bed that was laying on the tracks was what caused Sarah’s death, according to the report. The bed and the train made impact, and then the bed hit Sarah and propelled her into the freight train.
Hairstylist Joyce Gilliard detailed the shocking moments before the train’s impact. “The entire crew was basically put in a situation where we had to basically run for our lives,” she said in the segment. Joyce suffered a compound fracture of her left arm due to the accident. She also discussed the loss of her co-worker, Sarah.
“I suffered such a traumatic experience seeing my co-worker, friend, lose her life,” she continued.
Georgia prosecutors are charging the Midnight Rider filmmakers with involuntary manslaughter in conjunction with Sarah’s death. The filmmakers could serve up to 10 years in prison for the charges.
Sarah Jones: Ian Somerhalder Remembers ‘Vampire Diaries’ Camerawoman
In addition to Midnight Rider, Sarah also worked on the hit show, The Vampire Diaries. Before the launch of the “Set Safety” app, Ian Somerhalder shared a heartbreaking message on Instagram about his friend.
He wrote, “I miss you Sarah Jones… It is tragic you are no longer with us, and that others were injured alongside you. This will never happen again-no shot or scene in any television show or movie is worth someone’s life. Your vampire diaries family misses you and we love you. Love, Ian.”
The app is designed to increase safety on TV and film sets. The app also allows crew members to have access to hotlines in the event they are working long hours or strenuous conditions.
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Our thoughts continue to go out to Sarah’s family and friends during this difficult time.
— Avery Thompson
More Sarah Jones News:
- Sarah Jones’ Parents ‘Comfortable’ With Filmmakers’ Manslaughter Charges
- Sarah Jones: Candlelight Vigil Planned For ‘Vampire Diaries’ Crew Member
- Sarah Jones Sadly Missed In Oscar ‘In Memoriam’ Montage