Image Source: Extra TV, Wall Street Journal
The world has been left stunned as the death of the cinematographer from Alec Baldwin's film 'Rust' made headlines.
The horrific incident took place at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico. As Alec Baldwin picked up a prop gun and fired, the shot killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, along with injuring director Joel Souza. The cinematographer, aged 42, leaves behind her husband and family while the director, aged 48, was taken to the hospital and was since then receiving extensive care at Christus St. Vincent regional Medical Center. The director is now released from the hospital as of October 22nd, this Friday. Hutchins was also rushed to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque but was pronounced dead.
The film sets are now undergoing comprehensive investigation, and the production of the film has been halted. Meanwhile, Alec Baldwin, who was said to be shocked and horrified after the incident and was seen in tears, is copying the disturbing incident. The actor has received immense support from various other celebrities, while many more are pouring in their condolences and heartfelt sympathies for the Hutchins family.
Alec Baldwin opened about the terrible incident on Friday following the release of the director. He Tweeted, "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."
The star, aged 63, is currently being questioned by the investigation forces along with other crew members. Hence, he also stated, "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."
The Santa Fe County Sheriff Department that has undertaken the investigation of the film set tragedy has also issued their official statement. A spokesperson of the Department, Juan Rios, said that Alec Baldwin "came involuntarily" for the investigation of the incident and that the high profile headline-making event is being treated like "any other investigation."
Shannon Lee, daughter to Bruce Lee and sister of Late Brandon Lee, also wrote about the incident on Twitter. Brandon Lee, son of Bruce Lee and her brother, aged 28, himself had fallen victim to a similar gun incident on the film set of The Crow in 1993. She now manages her brother's Twitter account and posts her condolences about the incident through the handle, saying: "Our hearts go out to the family of Halyna Hutchins and to Joel Souza and all involved in the incident on Rust. No one should ever be killed by a gun on a film set. Period."
Another statement was issued by the company in charge of producing Rust, Rust Movie Productions LLC. The account goes: "The entire cast and crew have been absolutely devastated by today's tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Halyna's family and loved ones."
The announcement also states that the production will be halted, and support will be provided to all those affected by the terrible incident. "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 counseling services to everyone connected to the film as we work to process this awful event," it said.
Tweets by Baldwin to pay homage to Hutchins; Credits: Exitonia
Other stars to relay their sympathies:-
Debra Messing
Messing issued her statement as people started demanding Alec Baldwin to be presented in court as a criminal. Her supporting tweet for Baldwin read: "A prop gun was handed to him. He used it in the scene. Then- a catastrophic event happened where Halnya Hutchins lost her life, and Joel Souza was injured. I am praying for all of their families."
Ireland Baldwin
Daughter of Alec Baldwin, the model, aged 25, shared an Instagram story that read: "My love and support go to Halnya Hutchins' family and friends. Sending healing thoughts to Joel Souza. And wishing I could hug my dad extra tight today."
Misha Collins
The actress shared how disturbed she was by the whole ordeal. She tweeted: "I was up all night thinking how horrifying this must be. Sending my love to @jensenackles, the family & friends of Halyna Hutchins, and the whole 'Rust' cast & crew."
Mia Farrow
The American actress, activist, and former fashion model, too, took to Twitter to share her thoughts about the incident. She relayed how such a terrible accident should not take place on the set of a film as she said, "Sorrow and absolute horror that cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed on set. This should never have happened. Thoughts with her family and friends."
Joely Fisher
More actors poured in to wish peace to Halyna. Out of these, Joely Fisher, too, conveyed her sentiments through an Instagram story. The tribute read, "Rest in Paradise Dear Halyna - I loved watching you work: Your intense focus and your vibrant command of the room. My prayers are with your family and with all who love and miss you."
She was later joined by Frances Fisher, who also stars in Rust. The eulogy praised Halyn Hutchins for being one of the best "few non-male directors of photography" and shared her grief over the accident. She quoted a Clint Eastwood film and wrote, "maybe someday I will have the courage to put it here. It pretty much sums it all up. In the meantime, my prayers are with your family and with all who love and miss you. @halynahutchins See the beauty of her vision."
