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

Hudson Joseph Meek, the talented young actor best known for portraying the younger version of the lead character in the 2017 hit Baby Driver, has tragically passed away at the age of 16. The teenage actor succumbed to injuries after being ejected from a moving vehicle in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, last Thursday.

According to the Jefferson County Coroner's Office, Meek sustained blunt force trauma in the accident, which occurred around 10:45 p.m. He was rushed to UAB Hospital in Birmingham but sadly died two days later.

Hudson’s family shared their grief through an emotional Instagram post: "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."

Beginning his career in 2014 with The Santa Con, Meek quickly rose to prominence after landing his breakthrough role in Baby Driver. He also appeared in the reboot of MacGyver and made guest appearances on several TV series, including NBC's Found.

The young actor had several projects in the pipeline, which are set to be released posthumously in 2025.

To honor his memory, his family is establishing the Hudson J. Meek Memorial Scholarship, benefiting Vestavia Hills High School students. Instead of flowers, they request donations toward the scholarship fund.

Hudson is survived by his parents, Derek and Lani Meek, his brother Tucker, and his grandmothers Margaret Green Meek and Faye Searcy Wells. A celebration of life will be held on December 28 to honor his legacy.