Baldwin says his "heart is broken" after firing the prop gun that accidentally discharged and killed director of photography Halyna Hutchins and hospitalized director Joel Souza -- a similar accident to the one that killed Lee on the set of "The Crow" in 1993.
Following a tragic on-set accident that cost the life of one member of the crew, and injured its director, production on Alec Baldwin's western film, "Rust," has been halted for an "undetermined period of time," per its production team.
According to the Sheriff's Department in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where production was underway, it was Baldwin who discharged the prop gun that resulted in the death of director of photography Halyna Hutchins, as reported by TMZ. The film's director Joel Souza was also injured and hospitalized, but reportedly released Friday.
"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 tweeted on Friday. "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."
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View Story"The entire cast and crew has been absolutely devastated by today’s tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Halyna’s family and loved ones," a spokesperson for Rust Movies Production LLC told Deadline in a statement.
"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," the statement continued. "We will be providing counseling services to everyone connected to the film as we work to process this awful event."
According to the Santa Fe Sheriff's Department, Baldwin has been questioned and released. "No arrests or charges have been filed," an official from that department told Deadline.
This isn't the first time a prop gun has caused an accidental death on a studio production, with the most well-known probably coming in 1993 when Brandon Lee, the son of Bruce Lee, was accidentally shot and killed while finishing production on "The Crow."
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View StoryThe film was ultimately released the following year, with Lee receiving praise for his performance. His sister, Shannon Lee, has been maintaining a Twitter account in his name to honor his legacy.
Taking to that platform, Lee's family responded to the latest tragedy, tweeting, "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."
The apparent similarities between the accidents saw Lee's name trending on Twitter, with many fans mourning his loss all over again, while mourning the loss of Hutchins and questioning how this kind of accident can still happen after nearly 30 years.
Others across Hollywood shared their condolences for the tragic loss of life and the traumatic accident. Some took their messages to the final post Hutchins shared to her Instagram, a video she shot of herself riding horseback on the film's New Mexico location shoot.
Dwayne Johnson commented shortly after the news broke, writing, "I am so so sorry. Rest easy. My love and strength to your family." David Boreanaz also commented, "Rest in peace."
You can see other reactions below.
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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. 💔
— Brandon Bruce Lee (@brandonblee) October 22, 2021 @brandonblee
BREAKING: A distraught Alec Baldwin, after he accidentally shot & killed the cinematographer on the set of his new movie, & wounded the writer-director. How on earth could this have happened?
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) October 22, 2021 @piersmorgan
Pics: Jim Weber @thenewmexican pic.twitter.com/xrvcheLaCK
My heart goes out to Halyna Hutchins family. What a heartbreaking loss. Sending prayers to Joel Souza. I’m sure everyone is devastated. Alec Baldwin Fired Prop Gun That Killed DP and Wounded Director – Variety https://t.co/3apNSUokUb
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) October 22, 2021 @PattyArquette
Absolutely horrifying and devastating news about cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins. My heart goes out to her family.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) October 22, 2021 @elijahwood
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 @JoeManganiello
My greatest fear is that someone will be fatally hurt on one of my sets. I pray this will never happen. My heart goes out to all of those affected by the tragedy today on Rust, especially Halyna Hutchins & her family.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) October 22, 2021 @JamesGunn
Sick and devastated to hear that my friend and rockstar cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed on set today in New Mexico. I don't have words to describe this tragedy. I want answers. I want her family to somehow find peace among this horrific, horrific loss. pic.twitter.com/ElAQNMuQvR
— 𝖊𝖑𝖑𝖊 𝖘𝖕𝖎𝖉𝖊𝖗 🕷️🕸️ (@elleschneider) October 22, 2021 @elleschneider
I’m gutted. 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. https://t.co/JviMb0aupu
— Paul Scheer (@paulscheer) October 22, 2021 @paulscheer
My heart breaks for the family and friends of Halyna Hutchins - this is just horrifying and devastating news.
— Mike Flanagan (@flanaganfilm) October 22, 2021 @flanaganfilm
A lot of sadness on the @cwsupermanlois set tonight. Film & television crews work so hard and their safety needs to be ensured. My heart breaks for Halyna Hutchins, her family, the Rust crew, and everyone affected by this horrific (and likely preventable) tragedy. pic.twitter.com/0Wm5RMSiJE
— Elizabeth Tulloch (@BitsieTulloch) October 22, 2021 @BitsieTulloch
Deepest condolences to the family and friends of Halyna Hutchins. Crew should never be unsafe on set and when they are there is always a clearly definable reason why. #IASolidarity
— Alex Winter (@Winter) October 22, 2021 @Winter
It is absolutely NOT. 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. https://t.co/dsUxsofs3F
— Debra Messing✍🏻 (@DebraMessing) October 22, 2021 @DebraMessing