'Baby Driver' star Hudson Joseph Meek dies at 16 after falling from moving vehicle

VESTAVIA HILLS, ALABAMA: Hudson Joseph Meek, the teenage actor best known for his role in 'Baby Driver', tragically died on Saturday, December 21, at just 16 years old.

The young star died following an accident in Vestavia Hills, Alabama.

Hudson Joseph Meek succumbs to injuries

Hudson Meek was reportedly ejected from a moving vehicle around 10.45 pm on Thursday, December 19, according to the Jefferson County Coroner's Office. The subsequent impact left him with blunt-force trauma.

Despite being rushed to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, he succumbed to his injuries less than 48 hours later on Saturday night, as confirmed by local outlet WVTM 13 and ABC 33/40 News.

The Vestavia Hills Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances of the accident, but details remain unclear.

Hudson Meek’s claim to fame came with his role as the young version of Baby, the protagonist in Edgar Wright’s 2017 blockbuster 'Baby Driver' played by Ansel Elgort. That breakout performance put him on Hollywood’s radar, leading to appearances in the reboot of 'MacGyver' and NBC drama Found.

Starting his acting career in 2014, Hudson’s first role was in 'The Santa Con' alongside industry icons Melissa Joan Hart and Jaleel White. His resume grew to include roles in 'Genius' and 'The School Duel', with IMDb revealing he had several unreleased projects slated for 2025.

Despite his growing career, Hudson was able to enjoy a normal teenage experience. He was a sophomore at Vestavia Hills High School, where he played on the football team. His passions extended beyond acting - he loved sports, traveling, and spending time with his closest friends, according to People.

Hudson Meek remembered as a vibrant and dynamic person

Those who knew Hudson described him as a "vibrant and dynamic" person.

“Hudson’s personality was one of a kind. He was confident, convicted in his beliefs, spontaneous, and quick-witted,” his obituary stated.

“He never let the facts get in the way of a funny story, and he loved friendly banter. He was a prankster, loved a good joke, and was happiest when he was making others laugh. Hudson thrived in settings that allowed him to meet and serve new people. Hudson was a vibrant and dynamic person who lived life to the fullest.”

His Christian faith was a cornerstone of his life. “Hudson’s family is comforted and eternally grateful for those and other moments where adults fostered the faith of Hudson and students like him," the obit added.

An Instagram post shared by his loved ones over the weekend read, “Our hearts are broken to share that Hudson Meek went home to be with Jesus tonight. His 16 years on this earth were far too short, but he accomplished so much and significantly impacted everyone he met.”

The J Pervis Talent Agency, which represented him for a decade, honored him as a “cherished member” of their family.

In their tribute, the agency described him as "an extraordinary young talent, whose dedication, passion, and promise shone brightly within our industry. Over the past 10 years, he contributed so much to the spirit of our agency and his loss leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all of us.”

They continued, “Hudson was more than just a talent, he was a source of inspiration and touched so many lives with his enthusiasm, kindness, smile, and innate ability to light up a room and never meet a stranger," adding, "He will be remembered with great affection by us all.”

Honoring Hudson Meek's memory

A celebration of life to remember Hudson will be held on Saturday, December 28.

In lieu of flowers, his family has requested donations to the newly established Hudson J Meek Memorial Scholarship, which will annually benefit a Vestavia Hills High School student.

Hudson is survived by his parents, Derek Firth Meek and Lani Wells Meek, his older brother Tucker Firth Meek, and his grandmothers, Margaret Green Meek and Faye Searcy Wells.