Sun streaming from the sky, Halyna HUTCHINS, cinematographer smiles into the camera while she films herself riding into the New Mexico desert on horseback.
This was the last Instagram photo that the mother-of-one, a married mother-of-1, shared before Alec Baldwin accidentally shot a prop gun during a scene he was filming for a Western on a ranch near Santa Fe.
Halyna was born in Ukraine, raised on a Soviet military base “surrounded by reindeer, nuclear submarines”, and had previously been trained as a journalist. She spent time in Europe working for British documentaries before moving to Los Angeles, where her career had been established and she had started a family.
Halyna was born in Ukraine and raised on a Soviet military bases’surrounded by reindeer, submarines’. She was about to embark on a project in Ireland, and was looking forward to a bright future in Hollywood. Unfortunately, her life was tragically cut short. Pictured in 2018.
Her social media profiles show a clear portrait of a fun-loving, free-spirited friend, many of whom have paid tribute. Pictured: A touching post by Stephanie, a friend.
Friends recall Halyna as a kind’ and ‘loving soul’. She lived in Venice Beach with Matthew, a lawyer and their son Andros.
In a touching Instagram tribute, a friend wrote that Halyna loved him and enjoyed watching him develop into the handsome boy he was today. “I know she is looking after Matt in this horribly frightening time.
Halyna’s smile lights up social media photos with a sense of adventure and playfulness.
She was highly respected by her peers and was tipped as a rising star by other cinematographers. Adam Mortimer, director, friend and colleague, stated that she was “absolutely dedicated to art, integrity, and her work.” ‘I could tell that she was going be a genius.
Halya (right), during a December 2018 return visit to Kiev. She was raised in a military base and then attended the National University of Kyiv to study International Journalism.
Baldwin, 62, was filming scenes for Rust, when the gun went off. Hutchins died, and Joel Souza (48), was left with injuries. The incident occurred at Bonanza Creek Ranch.
Hutchins was airlifted to the University of New Mexico Hospital by an air ambulance, but was declared dead shortly afterwards.
Souza was taken by ambulance from his home to the Christus St Vincent Regional Medical Center. He was released, but his condition is not known.
Will Stewart, Daily Mail’s Moscow correspondent explained how Halyna worked for him during the mid-2000s.
“This is shocking and unintelligible news about Halyna’s death. After graduating from a local university with International Journalism, she worked for my news agency in Kyiv for several decades.
‘Halyna was involved as a journalist in many British magazines and newspapers. But she also had a talent for documentaries. This was her first taste of filmmaking, and it helped her to become so successful in America.
“At this point while she was with me, in 2006, she was Associate producer on a Discovery Channel documentary about Ukrainian icon Leonid Statnyk, called World’s Tallest Man, made British company Wild Pictures.
‘She was instrumental to Mr Stadnyk feeling at home participating in the documentary, which focused on the problems associated with being extraordinarily tall.
“The film, which was directed by Richard Denton in Britain, was produced with Paul Hamann, the former Head of Documentaries BBC, as executive producers.
“Mr Stadnyk is a shy man who trusted Halyna, after refusing many other offers and thanked her for it.”
‘Pictures in advance of the film show him towering over Halyna’s home in the village Podoliantsy.
“She later traveled to the USA with her husband Matt. She achieved great things due to her enormous talent and creativity, but also her unwavering determination to learn and study.
“She once said to my Russian colleagues that she felt like she was a perpetual student of America. But her efforts paid off and she got the success she deserved.
“It is tragic that she died in such an inexplicable and cruel way while doing the job she loved.
“Our thoughts, prayers, and best wishes to Matt and their son, Halyna and their family in Ukraine.
Richard Denton is the producer of Shakespeare Uncovered, and many films in the ex-USSR. He said today that Halyna has been the most wonderful, vibrant, lively, and positive person to have worked with.
‘She was friendly, and extremely helpful. She was able to translate interviews and make Leonid’s horse go in the right direction.
“She was totally unpretentious and incredibly professionally.
Her death was’senseless’ and’stupid’.