A female crew member died and another person was injured after Alec Baldwin discharged a prop gun on the set of Rust on Thursday (Oct. 21) in New Mexico, CNN and other outlets report.
Director of Photography Halyna Hutchins was fatally wounded by the blow and was rushed to a hospital by helicopter. The 42-year-old was tragically pronounced dead by medical personnel at the University of New Mexico Hospital, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.
Director Joel Souza was also injured by the shot, but is reportedly receiving medical care at Christus St. Vincent’s Regional Medical Center. Details on his current condition have not yet been reported.
After the news broke on Friday (Oct. 22), Twitter users reacted to the shocking tragedy.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Halyna Hutchins and Alec Baldwin who is experiencing every actor and filmmaker’s worst nightmare,” one person wrote. “It’s either a freak accident or the armourer fucked up big time using a real bullet for a blank. Projectiles shouldn’t ever be used.”
“Accidents happen while on set,” another added. “Prayers up for Alec Baldwin, the cast & crew and all involved.”
On Twitter, users also reflected on the death of actor Brandon Lee. The son of Bruce Lee passed away in 1993 following an onset accident with a prop gun while filming The Crow.
“Our hearts go out to the family of Halyna Hutchins and to Joel Souza and all involved in the incident on Rust,” Lee’s official Twitter account, run by his sister Shannon Lee, tweeted. “No one should ever be killed by a gun on a film set. Period.”
According to a statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, detectives are currently investigating “how and what type of projectile was discharged” on the set of Rust. Authorities added that the investigation “remains open and active.” So far, no charges have been filed.
Baldwin released a statement about the incident on Friday saying he was “fully cooperating” with police’s investigation.
“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,” he wrote. “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.”
See reactions to the shocking news on Twitter below.