Joel Souza, the director who was injured in the fatal shooting on set of the film Rust, has broken his silence on the death of his colleague Halyna Hutchins.
On Thursday, actor Alec Baldwin accidentally misfired a prop gun on the set of the movie in New Mexico, killing cinematographer Halyna and injuring Joel.
In his first statement since the incident, Joel said he is “gutted” by the death of his friend.
He said: “I am gutted by the loss of my friend and colleague, Halyna. She was kind, vibrant, incredibly talented, fought for every inch and always pushed me to be better. My thoughts are with her family at this most difficult time.”
“I am humbled and grateful by the outpouring of affection we have received from our filmmaking community, the people of Santa Fe, and the hundreds of strangers who have reached out… It will surely aid in my recovery.”
Alec was reportedly told the prop gun he was using was safe before he fatally shot Halyna.
According to an affidavit filed by the Santa Fe County’s Sheriff’s Office, obtained by the Associated Press, the film’s assistant director shouted “cold gun” on set before the tragic incident occurred.
But when Alec pulled the gun’s trigger, it fired a projectile that shot Halyna in the chest and hit director Joel’s shoulder.
It’s understood the assistant director “did not know live rounds were in the prop gun” when it was handed to Alec.
The prop gun has since been handed over to the police.
The affidavit also included a search warrant requesting to investigate the set building where the incident occurred, which was granted by a judge.
Officers were called to the Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico at about 1.50 pm on Thursday, after receiving a 911 call.
Halyna, 42, was transported via helicopter to University of New Mexico Hospital, but was later pronounced dead.
Joel, 48, was treated for his injuries at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, and was later released.
In a statement on Friday, Alec described the incident as a “tragic accident”.
1-
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— AlecBaldwin(HABF) (@AlecBaldwin) October 22, 2021
Taking to Twitter, he wrote: “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 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,” he added.
The incident is currently being investigated by police officials, but no charges have been filed.
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
