As has been reported all over by now, yesterday was a tragic day for the film world. During production of the Western “Rust,” starring Alec Baldwin, a prop gun accident led to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Reactions from all over the industry range from sadness to astonishment to anger, as folks try to figure out how such a mishap happened. While the investigation is still ongoing, one of the people involved, the aforementioned Baldwin, has released a statement about the incident.
For those unaware, a report from the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department explained that the incident on the set of “Rust” occurred when a prop gun was discharged by Alec Baldwin and ended up killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. The filmmaker is reportedly doing alright, but as mentioned, Hutchins was pronounced dead after being transported to a hospital.
As you might suspect, folks have been waiting to hear from Baldwin, as he was involved in the accident (which reportedly occurred after one live round was in a prop gun that shouldn’t have been there). Here’s Baldwin’s full statement from social media:
“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.”
As was reported earlier, the investigation is still ongoing into the situation surrounding the death of Hutchins. And in a statement from a spokesperson for the “Rust” production (via Deadline), it was revealed that production has been halted “for an undetermined period of time and are fully cooperating with the Santa Fe Police Department’s investigation.”
Obviously, as more news becomes available, folks will try to figure out how such a tragic situation unfolded.