Baby Driver actor Hudson Joseph Meek dead at 16 after tragic accident: ‘Our hearts are broken’

A teen actor who was on the rise after starring on the Hollywood action thriller Baby Driver has died aged just 16.

A teen actor who starred on the action thriller Baby Driver has died aged just 16.

Hudson Joseph Meek was tragically killed last week in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, when he fell from a moving vehicle around 10:45pm on the evening of December 19.

A spokesperson from the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office told local NBC news outlet WVTM 13 that Meek sustained blunt force trauma when he was ejected from the vehicle and died two days later at UAB Hospital.

His sudden death is now being investigated by Vestavia Hills police.

Baby Driver actor Hudson Joseph Meek died on December 21, aged 16.

Meek’s family has since released a statement expressing their devastation over the loss.

“Our hearts are broken to share that Hudson Meek went home to be with Jesus tonight,” read their statement posted on the actor’s Instagram account. “His 16 years on this earth were far too short, but he accomplished so much and significantly impacted everyone he met.”

“Specific details regarding a Celebration of Hudson’s Life to be held on December 28,” the message continued, “as well as how to contribute to a scholarship in Hudson’s memory at Vestavia Hills High School in lieu of flowers, will follow.”

Meek (second from right) and his co-stars attend the A Different Man premiere at the 50th Deauville American Film Festival on September in Deauville, France. Picture: Francois G. Durand/Getty Images

Meek’s star was on the rise after playing the younger version of Ansel Elgort’s main character, Baby, in the 2017 film Baby Driver.

Although still a sophomore at Vestavia Hills High School, where he played on the football team, Meek had 17 acting credits to his name, including Found, The School Duel and the MacGyver reboot series.

He also starred in TV movie The Santa Con, alongside Sabring The Teenage Witch’sMelissa Joan Hart and Family Matters star Jaleel White.

Meek had been a working actor since 2014 when he was just six years old. Picture: Marcus Ingram/Getty Images

“Hudson’s personality was one of a kind. He was confident, convicted in his beliefs, spontaneous, and quick-witted,” read his online obituary shared by a local funeral home.

“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 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.”

His talent agency, J Pervis Talent Agency, has also paid tribute to the young actor.

“Hudson was more than just a talent,” they wrote on Facebook. “He was a source of inspiration and touched so many lives with his enthusiasm, kindness, smile and innate ability to light up a room and never meet a stranger.”