Hollywood has lost a rising star.
Hudson Joseph Meek, a young actor known for his roles in Baby Driver, MacGyver, Found, and The School Duel, tragically passed away at the age of 16 after being thrown from a moving vehicle.
Meek, who portrayed the younger version of Ansel Elgort’s character in Baby Driver (2017),
passed away on December 21 in Alabama. He was 16.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, Meek suffered blunt force trauma after falling from a moving vehicle around 10:45 p.m. local time on December 19. He succumbed to his injuries two days later at UAB Hospital, as reported by NBC affiliate WTVM. Authorities are investigating his death, which is being handled by Vestavia Hills police.
A family statement shared on Instagram expressed their grief: “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 statement also mentioned plans for a “Celebration of Hudson’s Life” on December 28 and information on how to contribute to a memorial scholarship at Vestavia Hills High School in Hudson’s honor.
In addition to his Baby Driver role, Meek appeared in MacGyver, Found, and The School Duel. He was a sophomore at Vestavia Hills High School, where he also played football.
Hudson’s online obituary described him as a person with an unforgettable personality: “He was confident, spontaneous, quick-witted, and loved a good joke. He thrived in settings where he could meet and serve new people, and his vibrant, dynamic presence made everyone around him feel special.”
Tributes poured in from friends and colleagues, with J Pervis Talent Agency, his agency, writing, “Hudson was more than just a talent. He was a source of inspiration and touched so many lives with his enthusiasm, kindness, and infectious smile.”
Hudson is survived by his parents and his older brother.