Family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins names Alec Baldwin in wrongful death lawsuit

Halyna Huthcins was killed on October 21, when Baldwin shot a loaded gun at the cinematographer on the set of the movie 'Rust.'

Published: February 15, 2022 1:43pm

Updated: February 15, 2022 2:30pm

The family of deceased cinematographer Halyna Hutchins has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit over the shooting of the 42-year-old mother of one on the set of "Rust." 

The suit, filed on behalf of Halyna's husband, Matthew Hutchins, and their son, Andros, was announced Tuesday by the family at a press conference.

The suit names Alec Baldwin, set armorer Hannah Gutierez Reed, assistant director David Halls, as well as production companies and producers as individuals whose "reckless behavior and cost-cutting" led to the death of Hutchins. 

Hutchins died Oct. 21 after being shot by a prop gun fired by Baldwin, one of the actors and co-producers, on the movie set in New Mexico.

Attorneys for the family interviewed witnesses before filing the suit. 

In a video shared at the press conference, attorneys reiterated the positions of the "Rust" crew members that the set was unsafe. The suit contends that the cast and crew committed "major breaches" of safety. 

Lead attorney Brian Panish said, "I think it's clear what happened. Alec had the gun in his hand. He shot it. Halyna was killed."

He also said Baldwin had refused weapons training for how to properly cross-draw a revolver.

Attorneys allege the actor also disregarded more than a dozen industry standards on the set. Parish indicated that it was Baldwin who was responsible for the death of the up-and-coming cinematographer.

Authorities have repeatedly claimed that Baldwin was told the gun was safe to handle, but they are still trying to figure out how a live round made its way into the weapon.

Baldwin recently agreed to hand over his cell phone to authorities as the investigation continues.

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