Teenage actor Hudson Meek, recognized for his role in “Baby Driver” and various TV series, has died following a freak accident in suburban Birmingham, Alabama. He was 16 years old.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s office reported that Meek suffered fatal injuries after falling from a moving vehicle in Vestavia Hills, Alabama on December 19. He was transported to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries two days later, according to official sources.
The local law enforcement agency, the Vestavia Hills Police Department, is currently probing into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The details, however, remain scarce.
Meek started his acting journey with minor roles, eventually getting his major break as the younger version of Ansel Elgort’s character in the highly praised 2017 film “Baby Driver” directed by Edgar Wright. This film played a pivotal role in propelling his promising career, which included roles in TV shows like “MacGyver,” “Legacies,” and “Found” on NBC.
He also lent his voice to children’s programming, most notably in “Badanamu Stories” and “Badanamu Cadets,” where he voiced the character Bada.
Meek’s representatives have stated that several of his projects, which were completed but not yet released, are slated for a 2025 release. His final performances will be seen in the upcoming TV series “Genius” and the movie “The School Duel.”
Remembered as more than just an emerging Hollywood talent, Meek was a sophomore at Vestavia Hills High School. His obituary portrays him as a “reflective and thoughtful” teenager with a quick wit and a love for adventure. Notably, he was a competent athlete, a member of his school’s football team, and achieved open-water scuba diving certification at the age of 13.
His obituary further highlighted his dedication to his craft, stating, “He absolutely loved spending time on set and having the chance to learn the names and stories of every member of the cast and crew.”
Meek was known for his adventurous nature, excelling in outdoor activities such as snow skiing and water sports including swimming and wakeboarding. He had a keen interest in pop culture, particularly “The Simpsons,” viewing all 36 seasons.
David Doan, a representative of Meek, lauded him as “a wonderfully gifted and amazing young man” and “a bright light in this industry.” His Instagram post announcing Meek’s passing noted that “his 16 years on this earth were far too short, but he accomplished so much and significantly impacted everyone he met.”
Another representative added, “He was equally a kind, empathetic, thoughtful young man who loved his family and his friends fiercely.”
To continue Meek’s legacy, a scholarship has been established in his memory at Vestavia Hills High School, which will be awarded annually to a student. This scholarship reflects his enduring impact on his community and his dedication to education.
He is survived by his parents, Derek Firth Meek and Lani Wells Meek, his elder brother Tucker Firth Meek, and his grandmothers, Margaret Green Meek and Faye Searcy Wells. A celebration of life service occurred on December 28 at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood, Alabama. The ceremony was livestreamed on Meek’s Instagram account and his mother’s Facebook page for those unable to attend in person.
The passing of the young actor is a significant loss for his community and the entertainment industry. His work, especially in “Baby Driver” and subsequent productions, serves as a testament to his talent and the impression he made in his short but impactful career.
