Hudson Meek. Photo:
Hudson Meek/Instagram
A teen actor, whose credits include the 2017 film Baby Driver and the reboot of the television action series MacGyver, died after he reportedly fell from a moving vehicle in Alabama last week .
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Hudson Joseph Meek, 16, who sustained blunt force injuries when he fell in the 1900 block of Canyon Road in Vestavia Hills on Thursday, Dec, 19, reported Al.com, CBS affiliate WIAT and NBC affiliate WTVM.
Local news outlets added that Meek was taken to UAB Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries two days later. They also reported that the Vestavia Hills Police Department is investigating the incident.
A Saturday, Dec. 21 post on Meek’s Instagram account stated: “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.”
According to an IMDb page, Meek’s professional acting credits date back to 2014, when he starred in the television movie The Santa Con, starring Melissa Joan Hart and Jaleel White.
Meek also appeared in the 2017 Edgar Wright-directed Baby Driver, portraying the younger version of the film’s main character Baby, played by Ansel Elgort.
His other acting credits, according to IMDb, included the MacGyver reboot series, Genius and most recently The School Duel.
“Hudson was also an accomplished actor,” according to a published obituary. “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.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
The obituary added that Meek, of Vestavia Hills, was a sophomore at Vestavia Hills High School and was a member of that school’s football team. In addition to acting, Meek’s interests included sports, traveling and being with his close friends.
“Hudson’s personality was one of a kind. He was confident, convicted in his beliefs, spontaneous, and quick-witted,” read the tribute. “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.”
The obituary also noted Meek’s devotion to his Christian faith, adding “Hudson’s family is comforted and eternally grateful for those and other moments where adults fostered the faith of Hudson and students like him.”
The J Pervis Talent Agency described Meek as a “cherished member” of its family in a Sunday, Dec. 22 post, writing: “Hudson was an extraordinary young talent, whose dedication, passion, and promise shone brightly within our industry. Over the past 10 years, he contributed so much to the spirit of our agency and his loss leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all of us.”
“Hudson was more than just a talent, 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,” the agency’s post continued. “He will be remembered with great affection by us all.”
Meek is survived by his parents, his older brother, his grandmothers and other relatives.
PEOPLE contacted the Vestavia Hills Police Department and the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office for additional information on Wednesday, Dec. 25.
