Prop gun misfires, Alec Baldwin kills woman on 'Rust' set
What's the story
Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin misfired a prop gun on a film set in New Mexico, which killed a woman cinematographer, while the director-writer was left wounded. Halyna Hutchins, 42, was working as a director of photography, while Joel Souza is the film's director. Reports say the Saturday Night Live star was filming for Rust in the southwestern US state, where the incident happened.
Details
Hutchins succumbed to her injuries, Souza currently in 'critical condition'
After the fatal mishap, Hutchins was immediately transported to a hospital by helicopter, but she succumbed to her wounds, while Souza is currently undergoing treatment at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center. Reports say he is in a "critical condition." Cops are currently investigating the case at Bonanza Creek Ranch. Meanwhile, no criminal charges have been registered against Baldwin regarding this incident.
Information
Baldwin was seen in tears outside the local sheriff's office
The 68-year-old celebrity was seen crying outside the local sheriff's office yesterday, reports said. He "came in voluntarily and he left the building after he finished his interviews," as per a Santa Fe sheriff spokesman. Meanwhile, Baldwin's representative informed the media that the prop gun that was misfired had blanks. Right now, the production of the film has been put on a halt.
Personal
Who was Halyna Hutchins?
Hutchins grew up on a Soviet military base in Arctic Circle and was from Ukraine. She was a journalism graduate from Kyiv and studied film at a Los Angeles institution. In 2019, the American Cinematographer magazine named her a "rising star." Expressing grief over her demise, colleagues from the industry took to Twitter to remember moments shared with her. Rest in peace, Hutchins!
Twitter Post
I was lucky to have known her, says 'Archenemy' director
Here’s the thread about Halyna that I posted last year when we released the movie.
— Adam Egypt Mortimer (@adamegypt) October 22, 2021
I was lucky to have known her and to have worked with her. ❤️ https://t.co/FgorxuqwMv
About
Baldwin's film is also dealing with an accidental killing
Speaking about the incident, Juan Rios, spokesperson for the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office shared, "We're trying to determine right now how and what type of projectile was used in the firearm." Coming to Rust, Baldwin plays a grandfather in the movie, which is set in 1880s Kansas. The movie revolves around a teenage boy who accidentally kills a rancher. Baldwin is its co-producer.