The family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was killed during a rehearsal on the set of the Alec Baldwin film “Rust” last year, has requested that a New Mexico judge approve a settlement that would effectively end their lawsuit against Baldwin and other producers of the film, according to announcements Wednesday.
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Hutchins’ widower, Matthew Hutchins, said in a statement the deal would dismiss the lawsuit, however the full terms of the settlement were not disclosed. He also described last year’s events as “terrible accident.”
“I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame (to the producers or Mr. Baldwin),” he stated. “All of us believe Halyna’s death was a terrible accident. I am grateful that the producers and the entertainment community have come together to pay tribute to Halyna’s final work.”
Hutchin’s family filed the wrongful death lawsuit in February, claiming filmmakers, and specifically Baldwin did not take proper precautions when using real firearms on the set of the movie in Santa Fe. Baldwin fired the gun during a rehearsal for the Western movie and struck and killed Hutchins as well and also injured Director Joel Souza.
“We are pleased to announce today the settlement of the civil case filed on behalf of the family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins,” Baldwin said in a statement. “Throughout this difficult process, everyone has maintained the specific desire to do what is best for Halyna’s son. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the resolution of this tragic and painful situation.”
Prior to Hutchins’ death, the production of “Rust” struggled with firearm safety. In April, the New Mexico’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau fined the production studio the maximum allowable penalty of $136,793, for what it called “plain indifference to the safety of employees.”
One of the main issues was that producers used real weapons but didn’t ensure they were loaded with blanks and also allowed real ammunition to be brought onto set.
“By failing to follow these practices, an avoidable loss of life occurred,” the agency claimed.
In the days leading up to Hutchins’ death, camera operator Lane Luper had texted to unit production manager Katherine Walters, “We’ve now had 3 accidental discharges. This is super unsafe,” according to the suit. Walters responded, “Accidental discharge on the firearms? Awesome. Sounds good,” the suit adds.
Just hours before the fatal shooting, a large group of the camera crew went on strike, however producers refused to delay work on the film. The suit continues to allege that Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed failed to verify that the revolver and ammunition Baldwin would be using were safe.
Baldwin also did not check the gun when he received it, according to the complaint.
The family says Baldwin stood about 4 feet away from Hutchins and other crew members before pointing the gun at her and pulling the trigger. The bullet went through Hutchins and hit Souza in the shoulder, the suit says.
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Source: https://www.law360.com/articles/1537430
