Actor Alec Baldwin accidentally killed a crew member in a tragic movie set accident last Thursday. Baldwin fired a prop gun on a movie set that accidentally killed the film’s director of photography. In addition, the director sustained serious injuries.
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Tragedy At New Mexico Set
The accident happened during the filming of the Western-themed movie “Rust” in a location in New Mexico. According to the County Sheriff’s Office, Rust was filming at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Sante Fe.
Director of Photography Halyna Hutchins died from her injuries while director Joel Souza received injuries.
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Despite efforts to evacuate Hutchins to the University of New Mexico Hospital, she died on the way. Meanwhile, Souza went to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical center to undergo treatment for injuries.
Production Halted Pending Investigation
The circumstances surrounding the accident remain under investigation. At present, no charges stemmed from the incident.
The Sheriff’s Office said it dispatched deputies to the set after receiving 911 calls at around 1:50 pm. In the audio of the call, someone reported that “We have a person who was shot accidentally.”
As a result of the accident, studio officials halted the production of the low-budget movie. At present, detectives were interviewing witnesses.
According to the Sheriff’s office, the matter remains an “open and active” investigation. No charges have been filed, but the Sheriff’s Office said “witnesses continue to be interviewed by detectives.
‘Absolutely Devastated By Tragedy’
Rust Movie Productions LLC, the production entity behind the film, issued a statement. It said that the cast and crew remain “devastated” by the tragedy. It also said that the company is cooperating fully with the investigation.
“The entire cast and crew have been absolutely devastated by today’s tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Halyna’s family and loved ones.
We have halted production on the film for an undetermined period of time and are fully cooperating with the Santa Fe Police Department’s investigation. We will be providing counseling services to everyone connected to the film as we work to process this awful event.”
John Lindley, president of the International Cinematographers’ Guild, and Rebecca Rhine, national executive director of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 600, issued a statement on the loss of Hutchins.
“We received the devastating news this evening, that one of our members, Halyna Hutchins, the Director of Photography on a production called ‘Rust’ in New Mexico died from injuries sustained on the set.
The details are unclear at this moment, but we are working to learn more, and we support a full investigation into this tragic event. This is a terrible loss, and we mourn the passing of a member of our Guild’s family.”
Baldwin Still In Shock Over Incident
Rust only began principal photography earlier this month. Alec Baldwin is the movie’s main actor, as well as one of the producers.
The Sheriff's Office said in a statement that Hutchins and Souza “were shot when a prop firearm was discharged by Alec Baldwin, 68, producer, and actor”. Baldwin was “in tears” when interviewed by investigators.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Alec Baldwin also confirmed the news. “There was an accident today on the New Mexico set of Rust involving the misfire of a prop gun with blanks. Production has been halted for the time being. The safety of our cast and crew remains our top priority.”
Watch the ABC7 video reporting that Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun that killed photography chief, injured director on a film set:
Loading ...Given the tragic events, should the production of the movie “Rust” still continue? In this case, should the show still go on after this accident?
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