Latest Tragedy in Hollywood After Alec Baldwin’s Misfire
On the set of Alec Baldwin’s new movie Rust, Halyna Hutchins, director of photography, and Joel Souza, director, were rushed to the hospital after Baldwin discharged a prop gun.
Unfortunately, the 42-year-old Hutchins was carried out of the set in a helicopter and reported dead. Director Souza, 48 years old, was taken to Christis St. Vincent’s Regional Medical Center and remained in critical condition.
Hutchins was a “rising star” and Ukrainian Director of Photography in Hollywood who worked on many short films. According to many, Hutchins was a new director who was only beginning her work towards successful films. Michael Pessah, a cinematographer and friend of Hutchins, described Hutchins as,” wonderful, positive, creative person that was so excited to be breaking through and making movies. She was really on the upswing.”
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
At this time, there are no details shared about the horrific incident. The only statement released reads, “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.” No one has been arrested, and there are no charges. Detectives are still investigating and interviewing witnesses.
Paul Scheer, co-star in “Archenemy,” explained, “This is beyond a tragedy, and there are so many rules in place to make sure this can’t happen. I can’t even fathom how this is possible…So many people had to be negligent. This is a crime. Halyna was a tremendous talent. I’m sick to my stomach.”
Baldwin, the actor who discharged the prop gun, recently released a statement.
1-
— AlecBaldwin(HABF) (@AlecBaldwin) October 22, 2021
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. I’m fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and
2- 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.
— AlecBaldwin(HABF) (@AlecBaldwin) October 22, 2021
Many are confused about the incident, given there are several safety protocols when using prop guns on set. However, this is not the first time tragedy has struck when using a prop gun. In 1993, Brandon Lee, son of Bruce Lee, was filming “The Crow” when he was shot by a bullet from a prop gun that was supposed to have blanks. In addition, John-Eric Hexum tragically died when playing with a prop gun that had blanks. When fired at a close range, blanks can be deadly because they are made from an explosive powder and wiring that pushes the explosion out of the prop weapon.
Directors in Hollywood urge other directors to ban gunfire such as blanks and result to muzzle flashes for better safety on set. Muzzle flashes are known to be cheaper and give the same illusion of a gun firing. But many directors push for blanks due to the “realness” of the effect.
Hopefully, directors can see Hutchins’ tragedy as a lesson to value safety over “realness.”
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