A film crew member was killed yesterday during a freak accident on the set of "Rust" yesterday. Alec Baldwin discharged a prop firearm that wound up killing director of photography Halyna Hutchins, and wounding director Joel Souza.
In a statement from law enforcement, it said, "According to investigators it appears that the scene being filmed involved the use of a prop firearm when it was discharged. Detectives are investigating how and what type of projectile was discharged." It also stated that the investigation remains open and that no charges have been filed.
The incident took place yesterday at 1:50 p.m. local time in New Mexico.
This isn't a singular incident in the movie world. In 1993, actor Brandon Lee, son of Bruce Lee, was killed after he was shot by the wadding from a blank in a prop gun on the set of The Crow. In 1984, actor John-Eric Hexum killed himself with a prop gun. after pointing it to his head and pulling the trigger in a joking manner.
Even blanks contain an explosive powder and are deadly at close range.
Halyna Hutchins was 42 years old and pronounced dead at the University of New Mexico Hospital. Joel Souza, who is 48m was brought to Christus St. Vincent's Regional Medical Center for treatment. No word yet on his condition.
