The cinematographer of the movie Rust, Halyna Hutchins, has been killed on set after a prop firearm accidentally discharged, held by Alec Baldwin.
The Western film was filming in Albuquerque, New Mexico when Alec Baldwin discharged a prop firearm during a scene. It is not yet clear as to how the prop firearm was loaded, but the shot fatally wounded Hutchins and injured the director, Joel Souza. Hutchins and Souza were rushed to separate nearby medical centres where Hutchins sadly died at the age of 42. Souza has since been released from the hospital, according to actress Frances Fisher [via Deadline].
A spokesperson for the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office told The New York Times: ‘We’re trying to determine right now how and what type of projectile was used in the firearm.’ They also said that the Sheriff’s Office has not yet filed any charges in relation to the shooting.
A Police Investigation Is Underway
Filming of the movie has since been halted for an ‘undetermined period of time’. A full statement from the movie’s production company reads: ‘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.’
Our condolences are with the family and friends of Halyna Hutchins. Tributes have begun to pour in from colleagues on her previous projects. Adama Mortimer, the director of Archenemy, said: ‘I’m so sad about losing Halyna. And so infuriated that this could happen on a set. She was a brilliant talent who was absolutely committed to art and to film.’
[Featured Image Credit: USA Today]