Rust movie set accident leaves one person dead
Saturday, October 23, 2021
Image: Gage Skidmore.
Actor Alec Baldwin was involved in an accident on the film set of Rust Thursday that left the film's cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, dead and the director, Joel Souza, injured.
The accident occurred that afternoon during the filming of a scene which involved Baldwin discharging a prop firearm. According to a report by Insider, an International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees message to members has claimed that the prop contained a live round.
Mr. Baldwin is cooperating with investigators and has issued his condolences to the family of Ms. Hutchins. The Santa Fe County, New Mexico's sheriff's office is investigating "what type of projectile was discharged" and how the event transpired. No charges have been filed. Mr. Souza was released from hospital Friday.
A sworn affidavit by investigators working the case stated that Baldwin was handed the prop and told by the assistant director that it was safe. Neither Baldwin nor the assistant director were aware that it was loaded.
Sources
- Kelly McLaughlin and Zac Ntim. "The prop gun fired by Alec Baldwin contained a live round, prop masters union says" — Insider, October 22, 2021
- Ellise Shafer. "Alec Baldwin on Halyna Hutchins Death: ‘There Are No Words to Convey My Shock and Sadness’" — Variety, October 22, 2021
- Brian Welk. "‘Rust’ Director Joel Souza Released From Hospital After On-Set Accidental Shooting" — The Wrap, October 22, 2021
- Kimberlee Speakman. "Alec Baldwin Given Prop Gun Loaded With Live Ammo And Was Told It Was Safe To Use, According To Affidavit" — Forbes, October 22, 2021
