Alec Baldwin's new movie stops production after filming incident causes crew member's death

Photo credit: Mark Sagliocco - Getty Images
Photo credit: Mark Sagliocco - Getty Images

Production has halted on new movie Rust after a tragic filming incident caused the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

Deadline reports that it happened when Alec Baldwin "discharged" a prop gun while filming a scene on Thursday (October 21) at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

A spokesperson for Baldwin told The AP that there was an incident on-set involving the misfire of a prop gun with blanks.

Director Joel Souza was also injured, but according to Frances Fisher, one of the stars of the movie, Souza had told her on Thursday night that he was out of the hospital.

"Mr Baldwin was questioned by investigators and released. No arrests or charges have been filed," a Santa Fe Sheriff's Department official told Deadline.

Photo credit: Mat Hayward - Getty Images
Photo credit: Mat Hayward - Getty Images

In a statement, Santa Fe Sheriff's department said that deputies were dispatched to the set after a 911 caller "reported a shooting on the set", confirming that two individuals – Halyna Hutchins and Joel Souza – were shot "when a prop firearm was discharged by Alec Baldwin".

Hutchins was taken by helicopter to University of New Mexico Hospital where she was pronounced dead by medical personnel. "This investigation remains open and active. No charges have been filed in regard to this incident. Witnesses continue to be interviewed by detectives," it concluded.

In a statement, Rust Movie Productions LLC confirmed that filming had been halted on the movie and they were cooperating fully with the investigation.

"The entire cast and crew has been absolutely devastated by today's tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Halyna's family and loved ones," the company said (via Variety).

"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 counselling services to everyone connected to the film as we work to process this awful event."

Rust also stars Jensen Ackles, Travis Fimmel, and Brady Noon, with Baldwin co-producing the Western movie.

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