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TWO days before cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was accidentally shot dead by actor Alec Baldwin she wrote about the joys of her job.

In a final Instagram post, 42-year old Haylna shares an image of her riding a horse as she filmed a new Western movie called Rust at the Bonanza Creek Ranch just outside of Sante Fe, New Mexico.

Director of photography Halyna Hutchins, 42, was killed on set of the Alec Baldwin movie, Rust
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Director of photography Halyna Hutchins, 42, was killed on set of the Alec Baldwin movie, RustCredit: Instagram/Halyna Hutchins
Alec accidentally shot and killed a crew member on set of his new movie Rust
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Alec accidentally shot and killed a crew member on set of his new movie RustCredit: Instagram/ Alec Baldwin
Rust director and writer Joel Souza was also shot on set and remains in 'critical condition'
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Rust director and writer Joel Souza was also shot on set and remains in 'critical condition'Credit: Getty

In the selfie video, she smiles while her horse trots down a path behind some fellow riders, with the wind blowing her hair beneath a black cowboy hat.

In her post, Halyna wrote: “One of the perks of shooting a western is you get to ride horses on your day off.”

The post has become a focal point for mourners - with both her loved ones and strangers commenting.

Dwayne Johnson was among those leaving comments, writing: ";I am so so sorry.

"Rest easy. My love and strength to your family."

Director and producer James Cullen Bressack also took to the comments section, penning: "I will miss you my friend… This is devastating."

Ukrainian-born Halyna's cinematography credits also include films such as Archenemy, Blindfire and The Mad Hatter.

In 2019 she was selected as one of American Cinematographer magazine’s Rising Stars.

It comes as:

Baldwin accidentally shot and killed Halyna while leaving its director Joel Souza in critical condition on the set of his new movie, Rust, after a prop gun reportedly misfired.

In a statement first given to The Sun, Santa Fe County Sheriff Juan Rios revealed: “The sheriff’s office confirms that two individuals were shot on the set of Rust.

"Halyna Hutchins, 42, director of photography and Joel Souza, 48, director, were shot when a prop firearm was discharged by Alec Baldwin, 63, producer and actor."

Cops said no charges have been filed. But an investigation remains ongoing,

Alec was filming a scene on the set of his new Western movie, Rust, that required him to fire a gun that was supposed to be loaded with blanks.

But, the gun discharged either shrapnel or a bullet, which hit two people on set including Halyna.

Halyna was airlifted to the hospital where she later died from her injuries.

Film director and writer Souza remains in a critical condition, according to reported.

The shooting at Bonanza Creek Ranch just outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico happened in the middle of a scene that was either being rehearsed or filmed - with the incident potentially being caught on camera, officials confirmed.

The TV and film star was "unaware" about the type of ammunition in the gun, according to . 

Due to today's events, filming has been paused, with a rep saying: “Production has been halted for the time being on Rust. The safety of our cast and crew remains our top priority."

Santa Fe cops said: "According to investigators, it appears the scene being filmed involved the use of a prop firearm when it was discharged.

"Detectives are investigating how and what type of projectile was discharged.

“The incident remains an active investigation. As more information becomes available, updates will be provided.”

Reacting to today's devastating news, the Cinematographers Guild said: “We received the devastating news this evening, that one of our members, Halyna Hutchins, the Director of Photography on a production called ‘Rust’ in New Mexico died from injuries sustained on the set."

A spokesperson for the Rust movie previously said in a statement: “There was an accident today on the New Mexico set of Rust involving the misfire of a prop gun with blanks. 

“Two crew members have been taken to the hospital and are receiving care. "

Just hours before the violent mishap, Alec posed in character on the set in an Instagram post.

He was pictured wearing dirty cowboy boots, a vest, and a bandana while holding a hat looking tired in front of his trailer.

Baldwin said: "Back to in person at the office. Blimey…it’s exhausting."

A tweet from 2017 where Baldwin criticized a southern California cop's fatal shooting has resurfaced following the accident in New Mexico.

He said at the time: "I wonder how it must feel to wrongfully kill someone."

Baldwin was commentating on a Huntington Beach police officer struggling with a young man in front of a 7-Eleven store before drawing his gun and firing.

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Rust will star Alec alongside actors Travis Fimmel, Brady Noon, Frances Fisher and Jensen Ackles.

Director Joel worked on the story and screenplay with Alec - who plays the titular character, Harland Rust.

Police were seen exiting the scene in New Mexico on Thursday afternoon
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Police were seen exiting the scene in New Mexico on Thursday afternoonCredit: AP
The cast and crew of Rust will be on hiatus as production for the film has halted
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The cast and crew of Rust will be on hiatus as production for the film has haltedCredit: Instagram
The New Mexico ranch has famously hosted many Western movies
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The New Mexico ranch has famously hosted many Western moviesCredit: KOB4
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