Yesterday, the film industry was devastated when it was announced that cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed when a prop gun was discharged on the set of the Western, “Rust.” And now that the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department has released a statement, there is more information regarding what actually happened on set.
According to the statement, Hutchins and director Joel Souza were both injured when actor Alec Baldwin “discharged” a prop firearm while on the set of “Rust.” Hutchins and Souza were immediately taken to hospitals, but unfortunately, the cinematographer eventually was pronounced dead due to the injuries sustained. The statement said that Souza was still undergoing treatment in the hospital.
Hutchins was probably best known for doing the cinematography for last year’s action film “Archenemy.” She also was behind the camera for features such as “Blindfire,” “Snowbound,” and “The Mad Hatter.”
Exact details about the context of the accidental shooting is unclear, but the statement concludes by saying, “This investigation remains open and active. No charges have been filed in regard to this incident. Witnesses continue to be interviewed by detectives.”
Here are some social media posts from Adam Egypt Mortimer, the director of “Archenemy,” reacting to the news:
Here’s the full statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department (via Deadline):
Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the Bonanza Creek Ranch movie set of the western “Rust”, October 21, 2021, when an 911 caller reported a shooting on the set.
The sheriff’s office confirms that two individuals were shot on the set of Rust. Halyna Hutchins, 42, director of photography and Joel Souza, 48, director, were shot when a prop firearm was discharged by Alec Baldwin, 68, producer and actor.
Ms. Hutchins was transported, via helicopter, to University of New Mexico Hospital where she was pronounced dead by medical personnel. Mr. Souza was transported by ambulance to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical center where he is undergoing treatment for his injuries.
This investigation remains open and active. No charges have been filed in regard to this incident. Witnesses continue to be interviewed by detectives.
