Get All Access for $5/mo

Alec Baldwin Breaks Silence on Firearm Accident: 'My Heart is Broken' 42-year-old Halyna Hutchins was pronounced dead after an accident on the set of the movie 'Rust.'

By Emily Rella Edited by Jessica Thomas

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Mark Sagliocco | Getty Images

Update 12:26 PM: Alec Baldwin has issued a statement to Twitter regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust.

"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," Baldwin said in a two-part Tweet. "My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna."

--

Tragedy struck late Thursday on the set of the film Rust when an accident with a prop firearm left director of photography Halyna Hutchins dead and director Joel Souza injured.

Souza was taken to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, where details on his condition have not been reported. Hutchins was flown to University of New Mexico Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Rust was being filmed at Bonanza Creek Ranch in Sante Fe, New Mexico, according to the Santa Fe County Sherrif's Office.

The gun was reportedly set off by actor Alec Baldwin, who is both the film's star and producer. Baldwin provided a statement to local law enforcement and investigators willingly and has not yet made a formal statement or comment to the media or public.

Production for Rust has been "halted for the time being," per Deadline.

"We received the devastating news this evening that one of our members, Halyna Hutchins, the director of photography on a production called Rust in New Mexico, died from injuries sustained on the set," International Cinematographers Guild president John Lindley and executive director Rebecca Rhine said in a statement to Variety. "The details are unclear at this moment, but we are working to learn more, and we support a full investigation into this tragic event. This is a terrible loss, and we mourn the passing of a member of our Guild's family."

The incident happened just before 2 p.m. MST while a scene was being filmed, and it is still being treated as an "open investigation."

Hutchins, who was 42 years old, was named a "rising star" by American Cinematographer in 2019 and was a graduate of the American Film Institute. She was born in Ukraine and raised on a Soviet military base.

"She grew up on a Soviet military base where there wasn't much to do but watch movies. So she fell in love with movies at a young age, came over here, was really making a name for herself as a cinematographer of genre movies. She was known for action films and horror films. It is just a devastating loss, I think, to everybody in the cinematography community," Jim Hemphill, the journalist who profiled Hutchins for American Cinematographer, told CNN in a statement.

No arrests or charges have been made in the case.

This is a developing story.

Emily Rella

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

These Companies Offer the Best Work-Life Balance, According to Employees

The ranking is based on Glassdoor ratings and reviews.

Leadership

Why Your AI Strategy Will Fail Without the Right Talent in Place

Using fractional AI experts through specialized platforms allows companies to access top talent cost-effectively, drive innovation and scale agile strategies for growth.

Growing a Business

Why Business Owners Should Streamline Their Operations Now for Success in 2025

As the holiday season and year-end approach, business owners face heightened operational demands, from inventory management to spend control. By streamlining these processes and partnering with flexible suppliers, businesses can maintain efficiency, meet customer needs and focus on growth while navigating this busy period.

Business News

Here's What the CPI Report Means for Your Wallet, According to JPMorgan and EY Experts

Most experts agree that there will be another rate cut next week.