Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed on the set of the film ‘Rust’ on Thursday when a prop firearm was reportedly discharged by actor Alec Baldwin. The film’s director, Joel Souza, was also injured.
After the accident, Hutchins was taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Souza was released from Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center Friday morning.
An investigation is currently ongoing and many of the details about the situation are not yet known. Investigators have confirmed that Baldwin was the one who discharged the weapon.
Baldwin stated on Twitter on Friday, “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 deeply admired colleague of ours.”
He also said he is cooperating with authorities to investigate how the accident occurred and that he has been in touch with Hutchins’ husband.
A spokesperson from the film stated that the incident involved “the misfire of a prop gun with blanks.” This has not been confirmed by investigators. Information is likely to be released in the coming week as the forensic investigation begins.
Baldwin, who is both starring in and producing the film, was questioned by officers and then released, and no charges have been filed. Production has halted for the time being.
