Veteran Hollywood actor, Alec Baldwin, while on set of upcoming film Rust, discharged a prop gun, killing 42-year-old cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The film’s director, Joel Souza was also injured in the incident. 

In a tweet following the accident, Baldwin, who was reportedly on the scene in tears, wrote: 

“There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours”.

He continued by assuring the public that he is fully cooperating with the ongoing police investigation and was in contact with Hutchins’ husband and young son.

According to the Santa Fe, New Mexico Sheriff Office, no charges have been pressed and the tragedy has been characterized as “an accidental weapons discharge”. 

Rust is a western film that follows a 13-year-old boy who goes on the run with his estranged grandfather, played by Baldwin, following his accidental shooting of a rancher in the 19th century. Production has halted indefinitely.