Rust film bosses 'wrap the set' after fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins

Production bosses have made the decision to “wrap the set” on the film Rust after Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun that fatally killed a cinematographer.

Halyna Hutchins, 42, died after Baldwin discharged the gun while filming the new Western movie in New Mexico.

The film’s director Joel Souza, who was stood behind her, was shot in the shoulder.

In a letter to the film’s crew obtained by NBC News, the production team offers help and support as “we all go through this tragic time and mourn the loss of our colleague and dear friend”.

“We remain in close touch with Halyna‘s family and commend the strength they show in the face of unspeakable tragedy. It is beyond an inspiration,” it reads.

It goes on to say: “As we go through this crisis, we have made the decision to wrap the set at least until the investigations are complete.

“As such, we are working through when you can pick up your personal items. You should expect an update on the wrap-out schedule tomorrow.”

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The production team adds that while their hearts are broken and it is “hard to see beyond the horizon”, this is a “pause rather than an end”.

“The spirit that brought us all to this special place remains,” the letter adds.

Baldwin, 63, was drawing the revolver across his body and pointing it at a camera during rehearsal on the set of Rust when the weapon fired and struck the cinematographer in the chest, according to court documents released on Sunday.

The Hollywood actor had been told the handgun was unloaded, authorities in Santa Fe stated.

“Joel stated that they had Alec sitting in a pew in a church building setting, and he was practising a cross draw. Joel said he was looking over the shoulder of (Hutchins) when he heard what sounded like a whip and then loud pop,” the documents read.

It also says Ms Hutchins was shot in the chest area.

“Joel then vaguely remembers (Hutchins) complaining about her stomach and grabbing her midsection. Joel also said (Hutchins) began to stumble backwards and she was assisted to the ground,” it adds.

Cameraman Reid Russel, who was standing next to Ms Hutchins at the time of the shooting, told officials she also complained of not being able to feel her legs.

The latest developments come as a distraught Baldwin was photographed on Saturday outside a hotel in Santa Fe embracing and talking with Matt Hutchins, the husband of Halyna Hutchins, and their nine-year-old son.

The letter from the film’s production crew also said it was supporting Mr Souza in his recovery – after the filmmaker said he was “gutted” by his friend and colleague’s death.

It reminds the crew of the “support resources we have made available to you” and encouraged them to “reach out to the in-person and virtual grief counselors at any time”.

Production bosses said they were also still cooperating with police as the investigation continues, adding they are “conducting an internal review of safety protocols”.

“As with any ongoing investigation, we are limited in our ability to say anything further publicly or privately, and ask for your patience in that regards.”

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