Another 'Rust' crew member hospitalized after spider bite on set, may lose arm
Alec Baldwin's 'Rust' might just have landed into another ill-fated crisis, after a production worker was bitten by a poisonous spider and is presently at the risk of losing his arm. Jason Miller, a lamp operator and pipe rigger on the set of the Western period thriller, was in the process of wrapping up production when he was bitten by a venomous creepy-crawly. He was rushed to the emergency at Abq Lovelace after suffering from immense pain, but soon he experienced necrosis of the arm and sepsis from the bite.
The spider bite accident happened just days after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was accidentally shot dead by lead actor and producer Alec Baldwin when a prop gun misfired. The shocking death alarmed the country, prompting 'Rust' producers to shut down the movie abruptly. In fact, Jason Miller was helping to close down the set when the spider bit him.
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According to a GoFundMe page started for Miller's treatment by his family, he was bitten by the venomous brown recluse spider. "Jason was working as part of the wrap team on the production 'Rust' at Bonanza Creek when he was bitten by a brown recluse spider. In a matter of days he experienced severe symptoms including necrosis of his arm and sepsis. He has been hospitalized and endured multiple surgeries each day as doctors do their best to stop the infection and try to save his arm from amputation," the fundraiser stated.
His family further mentioned that though the medical team at Abq Lovelace is working their best to save his arm, there are chances of him losing his arm under the worst circumstances. "This is a life-changing and devastating event for Jason and his family. For any who are able to support and offer contributions to help Jason get through this painful and challenging time, it would be incredibly helpful and greatly appreciated.
Jason sends his gratitude for the kind words, thoughts and prayers that his fellow union brothers and sisters are sending to him," the GoFundMe description mentioned. The campaign has raised $9,775 for Jason Miller so far.
On October 22, Alec Baldwin accidentally killed Ukrainian cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, and also injured director Joel Saluza when his prop gun misfired. He was filming a scene where he was supposed to shoot at the camera. The production members reportedly did not do a proper gun inspection before handing the firearm to the actor, which was supposed to be a "cold gun" (not loaded). However, the accidental shot directly hit Hutchins and brushed past director Souza who was crouching behind her.
Baldwin did not face any criminal charges following the tragic incident. The actor was spotted to be inconsolable and hysterical after the accidental shooting. Meanwhile, his much-awaited thriller 'Rust', which also starred Jensen Ackles, Travis Fimmel and Frances Fisher, had to shut down production amid the nationwide controversy.