By Russ Bynum
SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) --Attorneys accusing a railroad owner of negligence in the death of a movie worker during a 2014 train collision with a trespassing film crew sought Wednesday to use the railroad's own safety policies against it.
Sarah Jones, 27, was killed by a freight train that slammed into a film crew shooting "Midnight Rider," a movie about the life of singer Gregg Allman. The crash happened on a Georgia railroad bridge where the crew was filming actor William Hurt in a hospital bed placed on the tracks, though owner CSX Transportation had denied permission to production managers.
But a civil lawsuit by Jones' parents being tried in Chatham County State Court in Savannah says CSX shares equal blame with production managers who never told Jones and other crew members they were trespassing. They say the railroad should have taken safety precautions to slow the train before the crash Feb. 20, 2014.
Jeffrey Harris, an attorney for Jones' family, showed the trial jury Wednesday a policy from CSX's employee rulebook that says train operators must "immediately notify a dispatcher of any unauthorized outside party on a track or right of way." The policy also states: "Be especially cautious around bridges and tunnels."
Two CSX trains passed the film crew standing alongside the tracks with an hour before the fatal crash. Neither of those train operators radioed dispatchers to report the filmmakers.
Harris called James Murray, a CSX assistant terminal superintendent, to the witness stand Wednesday. After reviewing the safety policy with Murray, Harris showed him a photograph of the movie crew members standing on either side of the train tracks before the crash.
"Are these people trespassing?" Harris asked.
"Knowing what we know now, yes," Murray answered.
Harris then asked: "Did anyone call CSX to notify them that these trespassers were on its property?"
Murray replied: "No."
CSX attorneys have said any evidence that CSX failed to follow internal policies doesn't prove the railroad was negligent. They insist the full blame lies with the "Midnight Rider" production managers. The ill-fated film's director, Randall Miller, spent a year in jail after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter and criminal trespassing.
The jury also saw videotaped testimony by Matthew Stewart, a CSX dispatcher who said he's been alerted by train crews spotting wayward cows and drunk men wandering too close to the tracks. Stewart said he can respond by ordering nearby trains to slow down and calling authorities near the scene.
Stewart said it's up to individual train operators to decide what they consider a reportable danger.
Hurt was on the railroad bridge to play the role of the late Allman Brothers Band singer, who died in May. Hurt spent time in the courthouse Tuesday, sitting outside the courtroom. But he was not called to testify in the case Tuesday or Wednesday.
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More