While filming a scene on the set of the indie production Rust in New Mexico yesterday (October 21), actor and producer Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun — leading to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounding writer-director Joel Souza, CNN reports.
Hutchins was taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque by helicopter, where she died from her injuries. Souza received emergency treatment for his injuries at Santa Fe's Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center. The incident took place while the crew filming south of Santa Fe at Bonanza Creek Ranch.
The Santa Fe Sheriff's office confirmed Hutchins' death alongside the International Cinematographers Guild, Local 600.
"We received the devastating news this evening that one of our members, Halyna Hutchins, the Director of Photography on a production called Rust in New Mexico, died from injuries sustained on the set," guild president John Lindley and executive director Rebecca Rhine said in a statement. "The details are unclear at this moment, but we are working to learn more and we support a full investigation into this tragic event. This is a terrible loss and we mourn the passing of a member of our Guild's family."
Rust Movie Productions LLC — the entity producing the film — issued a statement of their own, saying:
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 counselling services to everyone connected to the film as we work to process this awful event.
As of press time, no charges have been filed and no arrests have been made for the incident. The type of projectile that was discharged in the misfiring — and how it happened — remains under investigation.
Hutchins was taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque by helicopter, where she died from her injuries. Souza received emergency treatment for his injuries at Santa Fe's Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center. The incident took place while the crew filming south of Santa Fe at Bonanza Creek Ranch.
The Santa Fe Sheriff's office confirmed Hutchins' death alongside the International Cinematographers Guild, Local 600.
"We received the devastating news this evening that one of our members, Halyna Hutchins, the Director of Photography on a production called Rust in New Mexico, died from injuries sustained on the set," guild president John Lindley and executive director Rebecca Rhine said in a statement. "The details are unclear at this moment, but we are working to learn more and we support a full investigation into this tragic event. This is a terrible loss and we mourn the passing of a member of our Guild's family."
Rust Movie Productions LLC — the entity producing the film — issued a statement of their own, saying:
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 counselling services to everyone connected to the film as we work to process this awful event.
As of press time, no charges have been filed and no arrests have been made for the incident. The type of projectile that was discharged in the misfiring — and how it happened — remains under investigation.
