Alec Baldwin accidentally shot and killed a 42 year-old cinematographer on the New Mexico set of his new western movie "Rust".Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office has launched a criminal probe into the fatal accident.
Baldwin fatally struck Halyna Hutchins after the prop gun misfired while it was being set up for a scene. Hutchins was transported by helicopter to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Santa Fe, where she died. Director Joel Souza was also injured in the incident and taken by ambulance to Christus St Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe.
Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office said that the investigation into the shooting is ongoing and active. Baldwin has yet to comment on the tragedy on the set of the movie, in which he plays infamous outlaw "Rust". The veteran actor also serves as a co-producer on the movie, whose cast also includes Frances Fisher, Jensen Ackles, Brady Noon and Travis Fimmel.
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A Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department spokesman said: ‘According to investigators, it appears the scene being filmed involved the use of a prop firearm when it was discharged. Detectives are investigating how and what type of projectile was discharged. The incident remains an active investigation. As more information becomes available, updates will be provided.’
Explaining why the matter was being treated as a criminal investigation, a spokesman said: ‘While we don’t suspect foul play at this time, we cannot officially take it off the table yet.’
