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On December 19, 2024, Hudson Joseph Meek, a promising 16-year-old actor known for his role as Young Baby in Baby Driver, tragically fell out of a moving vehicle in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. The incident left the tight-knit community grappling with grief during the holiday season. Meek, who sustained severe blunt force injuries, succumbed to his wounds on December 21 at UAB Hospital.
The Vestavia Hills Police Department has launched an investigation to determine how the accident occurred. Although details remain scarce, authorities are working diligently to piece together the events leading to the tragedy. Local NBC affiliate WVTM reported that the accident took place along the 1900 block of Canyon Road, a typically quiet area.
Meek's mother, Lani Wells Meek, expressed the family's heartbreak on Facebook, stating, "Our hearts are broken to share that Hudson 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."
Despite his young age, Meek had built an impressive career. In addition to Baby Driver, he appeared in popular series such as MacGyver and contributed voiceover work for brands like McDonald's and League of Legends. Meek's obituary revealed he had completed filming several projects scheduled for release in 2025. "He absolutely loved being on set, learning stories of cast and crew members, and embracing every moment," it read.
Beyond acting, Meek led a vibrant life as a student at Vestavia Hills High School, where he was active in football, student government, and choir. He was also an advanced scuba diver by age 14 and had visited all 50 U.S. states, showcasing his adventurous spirit.
"Hudson's personality was one of a kind. He was confident, spontaneous, and quick-witted," the obituary stated. "He never let the facts get in the way of a funny story and brought laughter wherever he went."
In the wake of his passing, Meek's family has established the Hudson J. Meek Memorial Scholarship, which will be awarded annually to a student at his high school. Contributions to the scholarship fund are encouraged in lieu of flowers.
As investigations continue, Celebration of Life service is planned for Saturday at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, offering the community an opportunity to honor Meek's extraordinary life.
