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Joel Souza, Alec Baldwin speak out about the death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of 'Rust'

PARK CITY, UT - JANUARY 19:  Filmmaker Halyna Hutchins attends the 2018 Sundance Film Festival Official Kickoff Party Hosted By SundanceTV at Sundance TV HQ on January 19, 2018 in Park City, Utah.  (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for AMC Networks)
Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed after she was shot by a prop gun fired by Alec Baldwin, calling into question safety protocals on the film set. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for AMC Networks)

Following the fatal accident on the set of the Western Rust, in which cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed after a prop gun was fired by star Alec Baldwin, filmmaker Joel Souza is speaking out.

The director, who was hospitalized after a bullet from the gun hit his shoulder, issued a statement to Deadline, in which he said, “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 added that his 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,” he continued. “It will surely aid in my recovery.”

Hutchins’ death has called into question the safety measures taken on Rust. Earlier this week, it was reported that Hutchins was one of few crew members who stayed on set after a walk out over allegedly poor working conditions.

Baldwin also spoke out on Twitter about Hutchins’ death, writing, “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,”

The 30 Rock alum shared that he is in touch with Hutchins’ husband and is offering his "support" to her family. He shared that he is cooperating with law enforcement, adding, “My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.”

The production company behind Rust issued a statement earlier this week regarding Hutchins' death, writing, "The entire cast and crew has been absolutely devastated by today's tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Halyna's family and loved ones. We have halted production on the film for an undetermined period of time and are fully cooperating with the Santa Fe Police Department's investigation. We will be providing counseling services to everyone connected to the film as we work to process this awful event."