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

Up-and-coming actor Hudson Joseph Meek has tragically died following a dreadful accident where he fell from a moving vehicle last week. The actor, best known for his part in the hit movie 'Baby Driver', was only 16 years old.

The star suffered "blunt force injuries" according to a statement from the Jefferson Country Coroner's Office. The specifics surrounding how he fell are still a mystery.

The young talent was quickly taken to a hospital after the incident that occurred on the road to Alabama in the United States; however, he tragically did not survive, passing away two days later. The Vestavia Hills Police Department is currently conducting an extensive inquiry into the episode.

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An announcement was made via his Instagram account concerning his death which 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."

Meek had gained notice for playing 'Young Baby' in 2017's big-screen success, and his promising career featured roles in notable TV projects including the 'MacGyver' reboot and the movie 'The Santa Con', directed by Melissa Joan Hart. It has been reported that some of his work as a teenager will reach audiences in 2025, reports the Mirror.

His obituary commended his achievements as an actor, stating: "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."

The tribute paid to Hudson, a sophomore at Vestavia Hills High School and a member of the football team, read: "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."

The obituary further celebrated his life, stating: "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."

Another touching obituary noted: "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 open water certification later that year. He had an illustrious journey, having visited every single US state with aspirations of adventuring across 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 credit came in 2014 when he starred alongside Melissa Joan Hart and Jaleel White in the television movie The Santa Con. He also appeared in Genius and The School Duel.

"His family say they are working on a scholarship for Vestavia Hills High School students in his memory. Meg Deusner, owner of Acting Out Academy, said: "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."