Woman dies and man injured after Alec Baldwin fires prop gun on film set

22 October 2021, 06:37 | Updated: 22 October 2021, 08:50

Woman fatally shot by prop gun fired by Alec Baldwin, police say

By Emma Soteriou

A woman has died and a man has been injured after actor Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun on a film set in New Mexico.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The incident took place during filming for Rust - a 19th century western.

The 42-year-old woman, named as Halyna Hutchins, was airlifted to a hospital, where she died, the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office said. She had been director of photography for the film.

Meanwhile, 48-year-old director Joel Souza received emergency care at another hospital. He is understood to have been released.

Production has since been halted on the film, which was being produced by Baldwin.

Photographs published by The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper show an emotional Baldwin doubled over and apparently in tears outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office.

Read more: Queen spent night in hospital after having to cancel trip, Buckingham Palace says

Read more: No10 dismisses 'Plan C' and denies plans for ban on Christmas household mixing

A spokesperson for the actor said there was an accident on the set involving the misfire of a prop gun with blanks.

The Santa Fe Sheriff’s office said in a statement: "The sheriff’s office confirms that two individuals were shot on the set of Rust. Halyna Hutchins, 42, director of photography and Joel Souza, 48, director, were shot when a prop firearm was discharged by Alec Baldwin, 68, producer and actor.

"Ms Hutchins was transported, via helicopter, to University of New Mexico Hospital where she was pronounced dead by medical personnel.

The incident took place on a film set in New Mexico.
The incident took place on a film set in New Mexico. Picture: Alamy

"Mr Souza was transported by ambulance to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical center where he is undergoing treatment for his injuries."

"This investigation remains open and active. No charges have been filed in regard to this incident."

Deputies responded at about 2pm on Thursday after 911 calls came in of a person being shot on the set, Sheriff's spokesman Juan Rios said.

The sister of late actor Brandon Lee has said "no-one should ever be killed by a gun on a film set", after Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun on the set of a western, killing a cinematographer.

Lee, 28, the son of martial arts superstar Bruce Lee, was killed in 1993 after he was shot on the set of the film The Crow.

The gun was supposed to have fired a blank, but a post mortem examination found a .44-calibre bullet lodged near his spine.

A statement on Lee's official Twitter account, which is run by Lee's sister Shannon, said: "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."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

WATCH: Three family members of Sara Sharif were arrested at Gatwick Airport for her muder

WATCH: Moment police board plane and arrest fugitive family of schoolgirl Sara Sharif on suspicion of murder

Craig pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual offences against a teenage pupil

Ex-teacher jailed after he 'groomed' and sexually assaulted pupil in classroom cupboard

A 22-year-old woman died from a stab injury at Spenlow House on Jamaica Road, Bermondsey

Boy, 17, jailed for stabbing woman, 22, to death in 'laughing gas-fuelled row' on Christmas Eve

Jackie Scully will trek 100km across the Sahara desert to mark 10 years since she was given the all-clear

Breast cancer survivor to trek 100km across Sahara desert to mark 10 years since getting all-clear

Flooding And Heavy Rain In Valencia Region Of Spain

What we have seen in Spain these last days is a preview of the future if we do not take action on climate change

Kemi Badenoch has been elected as the new Conservative Party leader

New Tory leader Kemi Badenoch says 'huge job' ahead involves 'people we want to bring back to Conservative Party'

Janey Godley has died at the age of 63

Scottish comedian Janey Godley died in hospital 'surrounded by her loved ones' aged 63 following battle with cancer

Exclusive
Anthony Scaramucci

Anthony Scaramucci says 'garbage' comments made at Trump rally have 'lit up' Puerto Ricans - and could swing election

billy nighy

Billy Nighy 'stole complete works of Shakespeare from library' to prepare for drama school audition

v

Winner in Conservative leadership contest to be announced this morning

Palma is on lockdown amid warnings of heavy rain

Majorca on lockdown as tourist hotspot faces flooding horror after storm kills more than 200

UK GP visiting senior woman at home

Care homes and GPs could face closure under Labour tax plans, health leaders warn

Rebekah Vardy 'threatens to reignite war with Coleen Rooney'

Rebekah Vardy launches appeal against Wagatha Christie £1.8m costs ruling

Alexandra Palace Hosts Its Annual Fireworks Display Ahead Of Bonfire Night

Bonfire night 2024 forecast: What will the weather be like for fireworks night?

Darrian Williams

Two teen boys found guilty after 16-year-old stabbed to death by masked attackers in Bristol park

Westminster Protest

'Betrayed' farmers to protest over Labour's inheritance tax raid - as Chancellor insists changes are 'fair'