Los Angeles, March 23 (IANS) Over a year after a train accident killed camera assistant Sarah Jones on the set of “Midnight Rider”, the film’s director Randall Miller has acknowledged that the safety of his cast and crew was his responsibility.
Miller has released a statement acknowledging his responsibility in the tragic accident, after he was sentenced to two years in prison in the case, reports aceshowbiz.com.
“On Feb 20th, 2014, a great number of mistakes were made and the terrible accident occurred which took Sarah Jones’ life. It was a horrible tragedy that will haunt me forever,” Miller said.
“Although I relied on my team, it is ultimately my responsibility and was my decision to shoot the scripted scene that caused this tragedy,” he added.
The incident came as a blow to him.
He said: “I have worked in the film industry as a director for 25 years and never had a significant accident of any kind on any one of my sets. I am heartbroken over this.
“I hope my actions have spared the Jones family more anguish and that the onset safety measures that were lacking before this terrible tragedy will now take precedence for all in the industry.”
Miller’s wife and “Midnight Rider” producer Jody Savin was cleared of the charge as part of his guilty plea deal.
Miller pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and criminal trespassing in the case of Jones’ death. In addition to the prison term, he is sentenced to eight years’ probation after serving his jail time, ordered to pay a $25,000 fine and to perform 360 hours of community service.
He is also barred from any directing or directorial duties during the duration of his sentence.
Executive producer Jay Sedrish, in the meantime, was sentenced to 10 years’ probation and was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.