Fast Links
On October 22, 2021, Alec Baldwin took part in a fatal incident where he accidentally discharged a prop gun on the set of Rust that killed Halyna Hutchins, the director of photography, and wounded writer and director of Rust, Joel Souza. Hutchins was pronounced dead after being airlifted to the University of Mexico Hospital while Souza is currently being treated at the Santa Fe’s Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center. According to Comicbook, charges have yet to be filed for this fatal accident, but the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department says that this investigation remains active and open as detectives continue to interview witnesses.
Halyna Hutchins
The 42-year-old cinematographer was born in Ukraine but was raised on a Soviet military base in the Arctic Circle. Hutchins graduated from the Kyiv National University in Ukraine with an International Journalism degree. She has worked as an investigative journalist for British documentaries in Europe. Her most recent projects include A Luv Tale: The Series, Archenemy, and The Mad Hatter.
Alec Baldwin’s Statement
Alec Baldwin, who also serves as star and producer of Rust, released a statement today about yesterday’s fatal incident:
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. I’m fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.”
This fatal accident brings to mind Brandon Lee, the son of martial arts legend, Bruce Lee, who was also shot by a prop gun while shooting on the set of 1994s The Crow. Lee had already shot most of the scenes before being killed on set. Carelessness with the dummy cartridges used in the prop gun is what ultimately killed Brandon Lee who was only 28.