CHILD actor Hudson Joseph Meek died at age 16, weeks after sharing an Instagram post about how proud he was of one of his final projects.
Last week, the teenager tragically passed away after falling out of a car while it was in motion. Most recognized for portraying the younger lead role in the 2017 movie Baby Driver, his untimely death shocked many.
Meek succumbed to his blunt force injuries on Saturday after the incident last Thursday night in his hometown of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, which is about seven miles south of Birmingham.
In addition to his work in Baby Driver, Meek had guest roles on several TV shows, including the NBC drama Found and the CBS action MacGyver.
Meek’s most recent project was a thriller movie called The School Duel, which was released earlier this year, according to IMDB,
In one of his final Instagram posts, Meek spoke about how proud he was of the film.
“Proud to be among the great films competing at the 50th Deauville American Film Festival,” Meek wrote, adding a thanks to the film festival.
“Thank you Todd Wiseman, Jr for allowing me to help tell this important story.”
Tributes to the actor have now poured in in the comments of the post after his family announced his death.
“Rest in peace young man,” fellow actor Scott Carman commented on the post.
“Your star will still shine bright.”
“Rest in peace. I will keep your family in my prayers,” another Instagram user wrote.
A third wrote that the teen was “gone too soon.”
The next post shared on Meek’s account, which is one of his two Instagram profiles, shared details about his celebration of life.
Meek’s family announced his death on his Instagram account on Saturday, just days before Christmas.
“Our hearts are broken to share that Hudson Meek went home to be with Jesus tonight,” the statement said.
“His 16 years on this earth were far too short, but he accomplished so much and significantly impacted everyone he met.”
Family’s full statement
The family of Hudson Joseph Meek announced his death on Saturday, December 21, in an Instagram post.
“Our hearts are broken to share that Hudson Meek went home to be with Jesus tonight,” Meek’s family shared.
“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, as well as how to contribute to a scholarship in Hudson’s memory at Vestavia Hills High School in lieu of flowers, will follow.
“Please pray for Hudson’s family and friends as we all process this sudden and tragic loss.”
Source: Instagram
The family shared their plans to establish a scholarship in Hudson’s memory at Vestavia Hills High School, where he was a sophomore at the time of his death.
Acting Out, a performing arts academy in Vestavia Hills, shared a statement remembering Meek as one of their first students.
“We are all devastated at the loss of one of AOA’s first and brightest stars,” Acting Out said.
“May you shine forever Hud. You will be deeply missed.
“Please join us in praying for his amazing family during this difficult time.”
Meek’s family shared in his obituary that more of the actor’s work will be released posthumously in 2025.
CO-STAR’S TRIBUTE
A day after Meek’s death was announced, The School Duel actor Kue Lawrence shared a tribute to Meek on Instagram where he recalled working on set with the Baby Driver actor.
“I have you to thank for showing me what trust truly is in a scene partner and our friendship ever since was extra special to me,” he wrote.
“Thank you for being there for me bro and cheering me on and I’m so happy we met because you changed me for life.”
The Vestavia Hills Police Department is still investigating the road accident that led to Meek’s death.
