Last week on the set of Rust, a prop gun was misfired and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, as well as injured a director, Joel Souza. Hearing about the incident, Brandon Lee’s fiancée Eliza Hutton broke her silence about what happened to Lee 28 years ago.
Brandon Lee died at only 28-years-old in a similar accident in March of 1993. While filming the movie The Crow, a prop gun discharged and killed him. Talking to PEOPLE, Hutton speaks about how once again, this was an “avoidable tragedy.”
“Twenty eight years ago, I was shattered by the shock and grief of losing the love of my life, Brandon Lee, so senselessly. My heart aches again now for Halyna Hutchins’ husband and son, and for all those left in the wake of this avoidable tragedy,” Huttons stated. “I urge those in positions to make change to consider alternatives to real guns on sets.”
Hutton isn’t alone expressing discontent. Brandon’s sister, Shannon Lee, shared a statement through Twitter about the lamentable accident.
“Our hearts go out to the family of Halyna Hutchins and to Joel Souza and all involved in the incident on “Rust”. No one should ever be killed by a gun on a film set. Period,” the tweet reads.
Brandon and Eliza planned to marry on April 17, 1993, right after The Crow finished its production. Lee was killed on set on March 31st, which happened to be the final week of production.
Overall, police are currently investigating what happened on the Rust set. In the meantime, Bandar Albuliwi created a Change.org petition, calling for a film and television production firearm ban.
What Happened on the ‘Rust’ Set?
As Eliza Hutton and Shannon Lee stated, a prop firearm killing someone is both tragic and preventable. With them making parallels to what occurred with Rust, what exactly happened?
Rust is an upcoming western movie that features renowned actor Alec Baldwin. While filming, a prop gun Baldwin wielded discharged, killed Halyna Hutchins and injured Joel Souza. Unfortunately, after taking Halyna to their facilities, the University of New Mexico Hospital medical staff pronounced her dead upon arrival. Though admitted to St. Vincent’s Regional Medical Center, the facility released him.
Rust Movies Productions released a statement shortly afterward on the matter. “The entire cast and crew is absolutely devastated by today’s tragedy. We send our deepest condolences to Halyna’s family and loved ones. The film has halted production for an undetermined period of time. We are fully cooperating with the Santa Fe Police Department’s investigation.”
Alec Baldwin also spoke about the incident, saying “There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother, and deeply admired colleague of ours.” Additionally, he said he will completely cooperate with the police regarding the investigation.
