Alec Baldwin shooting: Injured

Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin on the phone after the freak on-set accident which killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on Thursday 21 October. Image via Twitter @PopCrave

Alec Baldwin shooting: Injured director speaks out after hospital release

Joel Souza was accidentally shot by actor Alec Baldwin on a film set and got discharged from hospital on Friday

Alec Baldwin shooting: Injured

Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin on the phone after the freak on-set accident which killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on Thursday 21 October. Image via Twitter @PopCrave

Film director Joel Souza has broken his silence, just days after he was injured when actor Alec Baldwin accidentally fired a prop gun on set in New Mexico, killing Halyna Hutchins.

Baldwin was busy with production of the western film ‘Rust’ on Thursday when he discharged the weapon. Hutchins, the movie’s director of cinematography was taken to the University of New Mexico hospital where she was pronounced dead. Souza was reportedly struck in the shoulder by a bullet and then taken to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in, where he received treatment for his injuries. He was released from hospital on Friday, 22 October.

While an investigation into the incident is still underway, a union which represents prop masters claims the accident allegedly occurred after a live bullet was mistakenly loaded into the gun that Baldwin fired.

Joel Souza pays tribute to Halyna Hutchins

Joel Souza has paid tribute to Halyna Hutchins and expressed his grief over the tragic loss of his colleague.

“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,” he told Deadline.

Souza has also voiced his gratitude for the support he has received in the wake of the shooting.

“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.”

Film Director Joel Souza

At the same time, Hutchins’ husband Matt also spoke of the tragedy and asked for privacy while they come to terms with their loss.

“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,” he said.