Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins has tragically died after actor Alec Baldwin accidentally shot her on set in New Mexico. The pair were working on film Rust, and the tragic incident - where a prop gun misfired - happened on Thursday afternoon.
Hutchins, 42, who had also worked on feature film Archenemy, had been described as a 'rising star' by American Cinematographer in 2019. She had also previously worked as an investigative reporter in Europe.
Director, Joel Souza, 48, was also hurt in the incident and taken to hospital, where he is currently being treated for his injuries. Hutchins was airlifted to University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque, where she sadly passed away, according to Variety.
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A statement from Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office read: '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.' Police also said none has been arrested in the incident, and no charges have been filed - but the incident remains under an 'open and active' investigation.
John Lindley, the president of the International Cinematographers Guild, and Rebecca Rhine, the executive director, in a statement: '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.'
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