The film industry can’t believe what happened: Director of Photography Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed while filming “Rust” when one of the film’s actors, Alec Baldwin, fired a prop gun on set.
Director Joel Souza was also injured in the incident and was hospitalized.
Frances Fisher, who stars in the film alongside Baldwin, Jensen Ackles and Travis Fimmel, tweeted that Souza had been discharged.
So far, no one has been arrested for the incident and no charges have been filed. Although there is an ongoing investigation.
Hollywood stars who knew Halyna Hutchins have spoken out on social media and the movie world is in shock.
Director Adam Egypt Mortimer, who worked with Hutchins on the movie “Archenemy,” tweeted: “I’m so sad to lose Halyna. And so infuriated that this could happen. “
I’m so sad about losing Halyna. And so infuriated that this could happen on a set. She was a brilliant talent who was absolutely committed to art and to film. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vcdFqHsGA0
– Adam Egypt Mortimer (@adamegypt) October 22, 2021
Joe Manganiello, who starred in “Archenemy” wrote: “I’m in shock. I was so lucky to have had Halyna as my DP on ‘Archenemy’. An incredible talent and a great person. I can’t believe this can happen, could shots from a prop gun kill? What a horrible tragedy. My heart goes out to his family ”.
I’m in shock. I was so lucky to have had Halyna Hutchins as my DP on Archenemy. An incredible talent & great person. I can’t believe this could happen in this day and age… gunfire from a prop gun could kill a crew member? What a horrible tragedy. My heart goes out to her family pic.twitter.com/W479ch56Js
– JOE MANGANIELLO (@JoeManganiello) October 22, 2021
Casting director Sidra Smith, who worked alongside Hutchins on the Vanessa Williams TV series “A Luv Tale,” wrote on Instagram: “I just heard devastating news. It breaks my heart into pieces. We spoke recently, when I was going to shoot this movie. She was happy and I was happy for her. She was so young and so talented. Halyna and I spend a lot of time together. Halyna has a beautiful son and husband. God bless your beautiful heart and soul. Life is so short. You never know when. Rest in peace, my beautiful sister. I will always be grateful to you ”.
Hutchins’ friend, cinematographer Elle Schneider, also tweeted: “Sick and devastated to hear that my rock star friend and cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed on set in New Mexico today. I have no words to describe this tragedy. I want answers. I want his family to find peace in some way between this horrible, terrible loss. “
Sick and devastated to hear that my friend and rockstar cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed on set today in New Mexico. I don’t have words to describe this tragedy. I want answers. I want her family to somehow find peace among this horrific, horrific loss. pic.twitter.com/ElAQNMuQvR
– 𝖊𝖑𝖑𝖊 𝖘𝖕𝖎𝖉𝖊𝖗 🕷️🕸️ (@elleschneider) October 22, 2021
Makeup artist Vera Sawalha also expressed her horror, posting on Instagram: “I can’t believe what I just read. How is this possible?!?! Halyna Hutchins was one of the most talented women I have ever had the honor to work with. Many before her have died in this careless and preventable way. I am in shock. I am very sorry for your husband, your son and your family. May God be with your family during this devastating time and may God guide you through the doors in eternal peace. “
Also the media are publishing photos of minutes after the tragedy in New Mexico. There you can see Alec Baldwin visibly shocked.
The shooting occurred when Baldwin was on the set of Bonanza Creek Ranch, according to the county sheriff’s office.
Detectives are investigating “how and what type of projectile was discharged,” according to authorities.
Hutchins, who lived in Los Angeles, was originally from Ukraine and grew up on a Soviet military base in the Arctic. Earlier this week, Hutchins posted a video on Instagram of herself taking a horseback ride in New Mexico. “One of the advantages of filming a western is that you can ride a horse on your day off,” he wrote.