Oscar-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones sought legal measures to place his daughter, Victoria Jones, under a temporary conservatorship nearly two years prior to her death at the age of 34. Victoria was found unresponsive at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco on January 1, and while authorities have yet to confirm the cause of her death, investigations suggest it may be linked to an accidental overdose.
Court documents reviewed by The San Francisco Chronicle reveal that on August 7, 2023, Tommy Lee Jones filed a petition in Marin County Superior Court seeking a temporary conservatorship for Victoria, appointing Margaret Caron Schmierer to manage her welfare. This legal action followed an incident where Victoria was involuntarily held at a hospital in Greenbrae, California, due to concerns about her safety and mental well-being. In the petition, Jones emphasized the necessity for long-term care and drug rehabilitation services, noting that such support was not available within a hospital environment.
The court granted Tommy Lee Jones’ conservatorship request in August, though specified that it would only cover decisions regarding Victoria’s personal care and not her financial matters. Shortly after her conservator was appointed, Victoria left the hospital but chose not to enter a rehabilitation facility. According to communications from her conservator, Victoria opted for community living and reportedly rejected inpatient treatment.
Victoria’s attorney, Ciaran O’Sullivan, contested the conservatorship, asserting that she was capable of managing her own needs, including health and shelter. O’Sullivan claimed that Victoria was able to independently provide for herself and was not disclosing her whereabouts to her conservator.
In a turn of events, Jones later requested the court to dissolve the conservatorship entirely, leading to a judge’s decision to terminate the temporary arrangement in December 2023. Following Victoria’s death, the Jones family has sought privacy as they navigate this difficult time.
The circumstances surrounding Victoria’s life and unfortunate passing underscore the complexities of mental health and substance use issues, reminding us of the importance of compassion and support for families facing similar challenges.