Baby Driver actor Hudson Meek dies aged 16 after falling from moving car

The entertainment world is in mourning after the tragic announcement that Hudson Joseph Meek - best recognised for his childhood role in the hit motion picture Baby Driver - tragically died after falling from a moving car.

Aged just 16, Hudson was reported by the Jefferson Country Coroners Office to have endured "blunt force injuries", although further specifics regarding how the fall happened are yet to be disclosed.

Following urgent transportation to a medical facility, the adolescent performer was unable to survive his injuries, passing away two days after the incident while on the way to Alabama, United States.

Vestavia Hills Police Department is conducting an investigation into the incident. The confirmation of Hudson's death was made on Instagram.

The post said: "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."

Acclaimed for embodying 'Young Baby' in the 2017 film sensation, Hudson had a promising acting journey, acquiring parts in shows like the MacGyver remake, as well as Melissa Joan Hart's directed movie The Santa Con, reports the Mirror.

Work involving the young star that remains unreleased is anticipated to come out in 2025. He has been commemorated in an obituary as an "accomplished actor."

The obituary noted: "He worked on several major motion pictures and television shows, some of which will be released in 2025. 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."

It went on to say: "Hudson's personality was one of a kind. He was confident, convicted in his beliefs, spontaneous, and quick-witted. He never let the facts get in the way of a funny story, and he loved friendly banter. He was a prankster, loved a good joke, and was happiest when he was making others laugh."

Hudson, from Vestavia Hills, was in his second year at Vestavia Hills High School and part of the school football squad. Further, the obituary shared: "Hudson thrived in settings that allowed him to meet and serve new people. Hudson was a vibrant and dynamic person who lived life to the fullest."

Capturing the essence of his character, another moving tribute read: "Hudson was reflective and thoughtful, yet displayed undeniable determination once he set a goal, evident from becoming a certified open water scuba diver at just 13, and quickly advancing to earn an advanced open water certification later that year. He had an admirable journey, having toured each individual US state with the ambition to explore all seven continents.

"He loved snow-skiing and could easily navigate the hardest trails that no one else in the family would dare attempt. One of his favourite places to be was at the lake, tubing and wakeboarding. Some of the less active achievements he was proud of included video games and binge-watching every single episode of all 36 seasons of The Simpsons and a variety of other shows, many of which were viewed without his parents' knowledge and probably weren't appropriate for whatever age he was when he watched them.

"Hudson had a keen ear for great music and was constantly editing "the perfect playlist" for every occasion. He fiercely loved the family dog, Rosie, who already knows something is off at home without him and is grieving in her own way."

Hudson's first acting role was in 2014, where he starred alongside Melissa Joan Hart and Jaleel White in the TV film The Santa Con. He also featured in Genius and The School Duel. His family are planning to establish a scholarship for Vestavia Hills High School students in his memory.

Meg Deusner, owner of Acting Out Academy, expressed: "Hudson Meek was a beloved and talented member of the Acting Out Academy community since the beginning. But that is just one piece of the magical person that he was. He was kind, he was faithful, he was funny and lit up any room. He touched so many lives and will be missed beyond measure."

"The whole Meek family has been a huge part of our community and was instrumental in making Acting Out and many of our actors what we are today. Our hearts are broken as we continue to pray for them."