Sometimes life moves a lot faster than you think it does. 2025 marks 11 years since the fatal accident that claimed the life of camerawoman Sarah Jones on the set of “Midnight Rider.” The subsequently cancelled film was being directed by Randall Miller, and was literally on its first day of filming when the accident happened. Due to Miller’s part in Jones’ death, he pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to ten years of prison and probation. Now, Miller’s conviction is cleared and he’s able to work as a director again.
It’s depressing and enraging to revisit a tragedy such as this, especially if you compare it to what happened in another fatal accident on the set of “Rust.” There was a situation where the actions of multiple different people- armorer, actor, assistant director- led to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
But on the set of “Midnight Rider,” it was the decision of Miller himself that led to people being hurt and killed.
The plan for the day was to film a dream sequence that involved William Hurt in the role of Gregg Allman, to be sleeping on a hospital bed located atop a railroad trestle. The trestle itself was high-up across the Altamaha River in Georgia, meaning that if a train were coming along that area, it would be very hard to get out of its way. All would be okay if no trains were scheduled and Miller had permission to shoot there but he didn’t. In fact the railroad company, CSX, states that they denied permission, in writing, twice. Miller allegedly knew they did not have this permission and continued to film regardless. When a train did ultimately come through, several people were injured and Jones’, struck by debris, fell into the path of the train.
Miller’s sentence of 10 years initially consisted of two in prison, with the other eight in probation. He was released after one year. Additionally, because of the Georgia First Offender Act that he qualified for, his conviction would be wiped clean as long as he didn’t violate his probation agreement.
And that’s where things get particularly frustrating because he DID violate it.
As part of the agreement, Miller was not allowed to direct any films, and yet, he did in Serbia in 2019. He argued his understanding was that he “could direct a film as long as he was not in charge of the safety procedures for cast and crew.” Apparently, this was enough for a judge to decide that he did not “knowingly” violate his probation, and it was not counted against his agreement. There were other projects rumored to be under Miller’s direction, but they were not confirmed or completed.
It’s now been 10 years since the conviction, and Miller is able to direct again. “I am so grateful that this day has finally come,” he said. “With this exoneration my record has been cleared.” Perhaps a more telling quote is from Jones’ father, Richard. On the subject of people wanting to work with Miller he stated, “Personally I would caution them to think about their safety.”
Miller is already being tapped to direct an independent movie about a paralyzed Uber drive entitled, “Supercrip.”
