22 Oct – An accidental misfire on the set of Western film "Rust" has now caused the death of one crew member and leaving another injured. Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office recently confirmed that 42-year-old Halyna Hutchins, the director of photography, died at the University of New Mexico Hospital after being airlifted from the set. The second victim, director Joel Souza, 48, is currently receiving emergency care. "There was an accident today on the New Mexico set of Rust involving the misfire of a prop gun with blanks," a spokesperson for the production said. "Production has been halted for the time being. The safety of our cast and crew remains our top priority."
Further investigation revealed that the firearm was discharged by actor and producer Alec Baldwin, though the actor's rep has yet to address the tragedy for the time being. No charge has been filed in regard to this incident, with the investigation still considered ongoing as to the type of projectile that was discharged and how the incident occurred. Set in 1880s Kansas, "Rust" tells the story of a young boy who is left to fend for himself and his younger brother following the death of their parents. They then go on the run with long-estranged outlaw grandfather (played by Baldwin) after he was sentenced to hang for the accidental killing of a local rancher. The film co-stars Jensen Ackles, Travis Fimmel, and Frances Fisher.