'Rust' Director Joel Souza Speaks for First Time Since Tragic Accident, Honors Halyna Hutchins

Joel Souza, the director of the upcoming movie Rust, is speaking out after the tragic accident that occurred on the set of his film.

A prop gun that was fired by Alec Baldwin struck cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in the stomach, killing her. The round also hit Joel, reportedly in the shoulder, injuring him.

Joel was hospitalized from the gunshot wound, but he was released later that night.

Click inside to read the statement released by Joel Souza…

In a statement released on Saturday morning (October 23), Joel honored the life of Halyna and thanked everyone who has been sending support.

“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,” Joel said in a statement to Deadline.

“My thoughts are with her family at this most difficult time,” he continued, “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.”

Court records have been released, showing just how Alec was given a loaded weapon on set.

Read what Alec said in his first statement after the fatal accident.