Tragedy has struck the set of Alec Baldwin’s upcoming film, Rust.
A film crew member was fatally shot and another injured after Alec accidentally discharged a prop gun on the Rust set at the Bonanza Creek ranch outside Santa Fe, New Mexico. The incident happened on Thursday.
Director of photography Halyna Hutchins was taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital via helicopter. She was pronounced dead by medical personnel. Halyna was 42.
Rust director Joel Souza, 48, was taken to Christus St. Vincent’s Regional Medical Center via ambulance to undergo treatment for his injuries. He has just been released from the hospital.
Investigators say the incident took place at approximately 1:50 p.m. local time. Santa Fe County deputies arrived on the scene soon after the tragic event took place.
In a statement, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s office said that both were shot when Alec misfired a prop firearm loaded with blanks.
“According to investigators it appears that the scene being filmed involved the use of a prop firearm when it was discharged. Detectives are investigating how and what type of projectile was discharged.”
Alec went to the sheriff’s office willingly and gave a statement to investigators. He was seen visibly distraught and in tears outside the sheriff’s office after being questioned and released.
The 68-year-old actor is the lead star and producer of the film. Rust is about an accidental killing. Earlier that day, Alec had just posted a photo on Instagram of himself in full costume and with fake blood on the Rust set:
“Back to in person at the office. Blimey… it’s exhausting.”
The post was deleted Thursday night.
There have been no arrests and no charges filed, according to the sheriff’s office. The investigation “remains open and active.”
A spokesperson for Rust Movies Productions LLC said:
“The entire cast and crew has been absolutely devastated by today’s tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Halyna’s family and loved ones.
We have halted production on the film for an undetermined period of time and are fully cooperating with the Santa Fe Police Department’s investigation.
We will be providing counseling services to everyone connected to the film as we work to process this awful event.”
Halyna Hutchins was originally from Ukraine and once worked as an investigative reporter in Europe. In 2015, she graduated from the American Film Institute. The cinematographer was among American Cinematographer’s Rising Stars of 2019.
Her last post on Instagram was two days ago, showing her smiling widely while on a horse. Along with the video, she wrote:
“One of the perks of shooting a western is you get to ride horses on your day off :)”
On her page, she described herself as a “Restless Dreamer” and “Adrenaline junkie”.
SAG-AFTRA, the union representing performers and broadcasters, released a statement:
“This is still an active investigation and we do not yet have all the facts.
We will continue to work with production, the other unions, and authorities to investigate the incident and to understand how to prevent such a thing from happening again.”
On Friday, Alec broke his silence. He addressed the tragic event on Twitter. Here’s what he wrote:
“There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother, and deep admired colleague of ours. I’m fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and I am in touch with her husband. Offering my support to him and his family.
My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.”
Our hearts go out to all those affected by this horrible tragedy.
