UPDATE
EXCLUSIVE
I’m told the memorial service last night at a Santa Fe hotel for 42 year old cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was, as expected, very emotional.
I’m also told that Alec Baldwin, who fired the gun that killed Hutchins, spoke to the cast, crew, and mourners. His words were termed as “heartfelt” by those who attended.
Director Joel Souza, who was shot when the bullet that was fired in Hutchins’ direction passed through her body and hit him, was there, as well. This man, like everyone else, must be in shock.
First assistant Dave Halls, whose name has figured in the chain of command for the loaded prop gun, was also at the memorial. Hannah Gutierrez, who was considered the film’s “armorer,” did not attend.
Most importantly, Hutchins’ husband, Matthew, and their son, were in attendance. Matthew told the assembled mourners that he’d lost his own mother to cancer earlier this year.
Hutchins posted to Twitter last night: “Halyna inspired us all with her passion and vision, and her legacy is too meaningful to encapsulate in words. Our loss is enormous, and we ask that the media please respect my family’s privacy as we process our grief. We thank everyone for sharing images and stories of her life.”
Baldwin left New Mexico after the service, presumably to join his wife Hilaria, and their six small children on Eastern Long Island. My sources say that there was “a sense” that the movie, “Rust,” would not resume production. It doesn’t seem possible that any of the people involved would return to that set.
A public memorial is set for tonight.
Halyna inspired us all with her passion and vision, and her legacy is too meaningful to encapsulate in words. Our loss is enormous, and we ask that the media please respect my family’s privacy as we process our grief. We thank everyone for sharing images and stories of her life. pic.twitter.com/LgEp4XVkja
— Matt Hutchins (@mhutchins) October 23, 2021
