In a devastating turn of events, actor Alec Baldwin accidentally discharged a prop pistol, unknowingly loaded, resulting in the tragic death of Halyna Hutchins, the director of photography for the film "Rust" currently in production.
The incident, which occurred near Santa Fe, New Mexico, left the film's director, Joel Souza, injured. Authorities, including the Sheriff's Office and the International Cinematographers Guild, are actively investigating the incident to determine the nature of the projectile and the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Halyna Hutchins, aged 42, lost her life in the accidental shooting, prompting an ongoing investigation into the type of projectile fired. The authorities, while ruling out criminal charges at this stage, are diligently working to piece together the sequence of events during the rehearsal or filming scene at the Bonanza Creek Ranch.
A 911 call reported the incident on the set of 'Rust,' leading to Alec Baldwin's distressing appearance outside the police station, as captured by The Santa Fe New Mexican. The production company released a statement expressing profound sorrow over the tragedy, assuring psychological support for all those involved with the film, which has been indefinitely suspended.
"We send our deepest condolences to Halyna's (Hutchins) family and her loved ones," the statement conveyed. The International Cinematographers Guild also mourned the loss, identifying Hutchins as a member and emphasizing their commitment to supporting a thorough investigation.
Alec Baldwin, known for his extensive acting career, from Beetlejuice to The Departed, was visibly distressed in the aftermath of the incident. He is part of a family of acting brothers, including Daniel, William, and Stephen Baldwin.
Halyna Hutchins, a graduate of the American Film Institute in 2015, had contributed to films like Archenemy. Her Instagram posts during the filming of Rust captured the serene moments on set, with a poignant caption emphasizing the joys of filming 'westerns.'
The New Mexico filming office revealed that the Rust production involved a considerable crew, employing 22 actors, 75 technicians, and over 230 extras on October 6. The specific attendance during the tragic event remains uncertain. The film industry mourns the loss of a talented cinematographer, and the investigation continues to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident.
