Hudson Meek, the teenage actor celebrated for his role in the critically acclaimed 2017 action film Baby Driver, has tragically passed away at the age of 16. The young talent succumbed to injuries sustained after falling from a moving vehicle in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. The incident, which occurred on the night of December 19, resulted in blunt force trauma, leading to his death two days later at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. He was surrounded by family and friends at the time of his passing.
The devastating news has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and his local community. Meek, whose career began at a tender age, had already achieved significant milestones in the entertainment industry. He made his acting debut in 2014 with The Santa Con, a heartfelt TV movie about a con man assigned court-ordered department store Santa duties who endeavors to fulfill a child’s Christmas wish. It wasn’t long before Meek landed more prominent roles, including his memorable performance as the younger version of Ansel Elgort’s character in Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver. He also garnered attention for his role as Chris Piper in the 2015 Christian film 90 Minutes in Heaven.
Beyond these notable credits, Meek’s talent extended to an impressive array of other projects. He recently appeared in the thriller The School Duel, which premiered earlier this year, and had guest roles in popular TV series including NBC’s Found, the CW’s Legacies, and CBS’s MacGyver. Several of Meek’s projects are scheduled for release in 2025, underscoring the magnitude of his budding career.
Meek’s family described him as a vibrant and dynamic individual who lived with extraordinary zeal. “Hudson’s personality was one of a kind. He was confident, convicted in his beliefs, spontaneous, and quick-witted,” his obituary read. Known for his sharp humor and friendly banter, Meek had an uncanny ability to brighten the lives of those around him. His love for storytelling—peppered with humor and embellished anecdotes—was a hallmark of his charismatic personality.
Born and raised in Alabama, Meek was a sophomore in high school and an active participant in various extracurricular activities. He was a member of his school’s football team, choir, and student government. Outside of academics, Meek was a lover of water sports, including tubing, wakeboarding, and open water scuba diving. His adventurous spirit took him to all 50 U.S. states, and he was a dedicated fan of The Simpsons, having watched every episode of the long-running series.
An unwavering Christian, Meek was deeply rooted in his faith, which his family said shaped his outlook on life and inspired those around him. “His 16 years on this earth were far too short, but he accomplished so much and significantly impacted everyone he met,” his family wrote in a statement.
The circumstances surrounding Meek’s tragic death are under investigation by the Vestavia Hills Police Department. The accident has left many grappling with the untimely loss of a promising young star whose potential seemed limitless.
A celebration of Hudson Meek’s life will be held on Saturday in Homewood, Alabama, following visitation. The service, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time, will also be live-streamed on Instagram and Facebook to accommodate the many who wish to honor his memory. Meek is survived by his parents, Derek and Lani Meek, and his older brother, Tucker Meek.
The loss of Hudson Meek is a poignant reminder of life’s fragility. His accomplishments and impact in just 16 years are a testament to a life lived with passion and purpose. While his time was cut tragically short, his legacy will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of those who knew and admired him.