According to CNET, on Thursday, local time, American actor Alec Baldwin used a prop gun to shoot the Western film "Rust" in New Mexico, but the gun accidentally misfired, resulting in the death of photographer Halyna Hutchins and the injury of director Joel Souza.
According to the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office, Halyna Hutchins and director Joel Souza "were hit when Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun."
Hutchins died after being taken by helicopter to New Mexico University Hospital in Albuquerque. Souza was taken by ambulance to Christos-St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe after being injured, where he was being treated. According to the office, there are currently no arrests or charges related to the incident. The incident is still under investigation "openly and actively".
John Lindley, president of the 600 chapter of the International Society of Cinematographers, and Rebecca Rhine, executive director, said in a statement: "We received devastating news this evening that one of our members, Halyna Hutchins, who worked as director of photography in a new Mexico film called Rust, died of injuries on set, according to Variety. ”
"The details are unclear at the moment, but we are working to learn more and we support a full investigation into this tragic incident." It was a terrible loss, and we mourn the death of one of our members of the Guild. ”
The sheriff's office confirmed that two people were shot and are investigating the incident. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office confirmed that two people were shot at the set of the film Western," Rust. According to investigators, the scene being filmed appears to involve being fired while using a prop gun. Officers are investigating how and what type of bullets were fired. ”
Hutchins, 42, has been involved in many short films, as well as the 2020 suspense thriller Achenemy starring Joe Manganiro. In 2019, American Cinematographer magazine listed her as one of their "shining stars."
"The entire crew and crew are absolutely saddened by today's tragedy, and we extend our deepest condolences to Halyna's family and loved ones," Rust Movie Productions, the production company behind the indie feature film, said in a statement Thursday night.
"We have stopped making this film, the timing is uncertain, and fully cooperated with the Santa Fe Police Department's investigation. As we grapple with this terrible incident, we will be counseling for everyone involved with the film. ”
Set in Kansas in the 1880s, Rust tells the story of a 13-year-old boy who escapes with baldwin's long-estranged grandfather, Harland Rust, after being hanged for accidentally killing a local rancher. Baldwin was co-producer of the Western, with Souza as writer and director. The film also starred Jason Acres, Francis Fisher, Brady Noyn and Travis Famir.
Baldwin's representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.