The entertainment industry mourns the loss of Hudson Meek, a 16-year-old actor recognized for his performance in the film “Baby Driver” and multiple television series. His life was tragically cut short due to a fatal accident in the Birmingham, Alabama, suburbs.
As reported by the Jefferson County Coroner’s office, Meek’s fatal injuries resulted from falling out of a moving vehicle in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, on December 19. He was immediately transported to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, where he unfortunately passed away two days later.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation by the Vestavia Hills Police Department, with crucial details yet to be released.
Meek’s acting journey started with small roles before he gained significant attention for playing the young version of Ansel Elgort’s character in the highly praised 2017 film “Baby Driver”. This role paved the way for a promising career featuring roles in TV series like “MacGyver,” “Legacies,” and most recently, NBC’s “Found.”
Meek’s talents also extended to voice work, notably in children’s programming, where he played the character Bada in “Badanamu Stories” and “Badanamu Cadets”.
According to his representatives, Meek had several unfinished projects set to be released in 2025. His last performances can be seen in the forthcoming TV series “Genius” and the movie “The School Duel”.
Aside from his acting career, Meek was a sophomore at Vestavia Hills High School and was known for his athletic abilities and love for adventure. He played for his school’s football team and was a certified open-water scuba diver at the age of 13. His obituary paints a picture of a thoughtful and witty teenager who loved to learn about the people around him.
His love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for snow skiing, water sports and wakeboarding. He was a fan of pop culture, with a special fondness for “The Simpsons,” having watched all 36 seasons.
David Doan, one of Meek’s representatives, described him as “a wonderfully gifted and amazing young man” and “a bright light in this industry.” His Instagram post announcing his passing acknowledged that his short life left a significant impact on everyone he met.
Another representative highlighted Meek’s personal qualities, describing him as a kind and empathetic young man who deeply loved his family and friends.
A scholarship in Meek’s memory has been established at Vestavia Hills High School. This scholarship, awarded annually to a student, is a testament to Meek’s influence on his community and his dedication to education.
Meek 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. A celebration of life service will be held on December 28 at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood, Alabama, and will be livestreamed on Meek’s Instagram account and his mother’s Facebook page.
With Meek’s passing, both his local community and the broader entertainment industry experience a significant loss. His performances, particularly in “Baby Driver” and other productions, represent his budding talent and influence, making his brief but impactful career a testament to his potential.
