‘Baby Driver’ actor Hudson Meek, 16, honored with memorial service, Vestavia Hills High scholarship

A Celebration of Life will be held for a 16-year-old Vestavia Hills actor who died after falling from a moving vehicle.

The service for “Baby Driver” actor Hudson Meek is set for 6 p.m. 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood. Family visitation begins at 9.30

The accident happened at 10:47 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, in the 1900 block of Canyon Road, which runs from US 31 to Columbiana Road.

Jefferson County Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said Hudson suffered blunt force injuries after falling onto the road from a moving vehicle.

He was taken to UAB Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 19.59 Saturday.

Hudson’s death is under investigation by Vestavia Hills police, who have not yet released a statement about the incident.

“Hudson was an organ donor and his family is comforted knowing that he will continue to help others for years to come,” according to his obituary.

A scholarship in the teenager’s name – the Hudson J. Meek Memorial Scholarship – was also announced in his obituary. The scholarship is awarded annually.

Contributions can be made by Venmo to HudsonMeekScholarship or by making a deposit at any Wells Fargo branch to account #5908190381.

Son of Lani and Derek Meek, Hudson was a sophomore at Vestavia Hills High School where he played football.

He was also involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Honor Choir and SGA.

Outside of school, Hudson loved getting together with close friends, water sports, anything in the woods, traveling and acting for television and movies, according to the obituary.

He loved playing and watching all sports, but especially football, basketball, boxing and anything involving the Auburn Tigers.

“Hudson was reflective and thoughtful, but he was tenacious when he set his mind to something,” his obituary read. “He became a certified open water diver at 13 and followed that up with an advanced open water certification later that year.”

“Hudson’s personality was exceptional,” according to the obituary. “He was confident, convinced in his beliefs, spontaneous and quick. He never let 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 made others laugh. Hudson thrived in environments that allowed him to meet and serve new people. Hudson was a vibrant and dynamic person who lived life to the fullest.”

Hudson was also an accomplished actor. He and his older brother, Tucker Meek, began performing at a young age.

He worked on several major films and TV shows, some of which will be released in 2025.

Meek made his on-screen debut in 2014’s “The Santa Con,” and had roles in various television series, including “MacGyver.” He was perhaps best known for his role in the 2017 film “Baby Driver,” playing a younger version of Ansel Elgort’s title character.

More than anything, the family said, Hudson was passionate about his Christian faith.

“He loved Bible study meetings, youth retreats, mission trips and just being at church,” according to the obituary. “An active member of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, Hudson also participated in youth events with friends at Shades Mountain Baptist, Vestavia Hills United Methodist, Mountain Brook Community Church and any other church he could find with a youth event that focused on Jesus Christ. He especially loved gathering with his football teammates for Bible study at coach Buddy Anderson’s home.”