Sarah Jones, 27, died in a February 2014 train wreck while working on the film "Midnight Rider" in Jesup. This week criminal cases stemming from the case were resolved with plea deals, avoiding a trial.
In an open letter Sarah's mother Elizabeth Jones blasted one publication's decision to publish the autopsy report prepared after the fatality.
The report, which would have been evidence at trial if there had been one, is gruesome and heartbreaking. The AJC did not publish the report.
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Here is Mrs. Jones' letter:
"I am totally stunned, I am totally appalled, and I am ashamed of the callous reporter who leaked the autopsy report of our daughter for the world to see. Although the grace and beauty of Sarah Elizabeth Jones outshines the deprecating words on a page, no one, NO ONE, should be so low as to think this gruesome report is newsworthy.
To the reporter, where is your own honor? Is your desire to climb the rungs of a career ladder so important that you infringe upon the privacy and civility of a family whose daughter was tragically hit by a train? Is our pain of losing a daughter not enough that you feel the need to exploit Sarah’s dignity?
Shame on the tabloid that published the article, that it should be so crude and selfish for readership numbers? Does that not put you in the same category of selfishness as the movie producers who thought it was ok to steal a shot?
Look at the lives of those you have harmed by publishing detail by detail, Sarah’s autopsy report. Do you not realize the pain and sadness of the Jones family? Do you not have an inkling of decency? Did the thought even occur to you that perhaps Sarah’s family did not choose to remember her by the poignant description of her remains?
It is my hope for you that you will discover one goes much further and higher with greater respect and honor than sensationalism that is harmful to not only the one you are reporting on, but the surrounding community as well.
It is my hope for you that you will find a place in the world of journalism that will not allow such indecency be a motivating facet of readership.
It is my hope that the ones who are offended by this report will speak out and let The Hollywood Reporter know their thoughts."
- Elizabeth McCartha Jones , Sarah’s mother
The Jones' attorney, Jeffrey Harris, followed with a statement as well:
"The careless and callous decision made by The Hollywood Reporter to publish the ‘grisly’ details of Sarah Jones’ death has caused significant anguish and heartbreak for her family, friends and co-workers.
There was no valid, newsworthy reason to reveal the details of Sarah’s autopsy. The only reason to do so is out of a sick desire to sensationalize this young woman’s terrible death. As news organization that purports to care about the film industry and has presented itself as one that is deeply concerned about what happened to Sarah, about her family and about ensuring safety on film sets in the future, The Hollywood Reporter’s choice to run with such information shows both lack of judgment and lack of character.
Unnecessary emotional pain has been inflicted on Elizabeth and Richard Jones and trust has been broken.”
