A promising young Polish actor has died following a traffic collision near Kraków, leaving the entertainment community in mourning. Nikodem Marecki, 11, was struck by a vehicle moments after exiting his school bus in the village of Szczepanowice on Nov. 26, 2025.
Emergency services received the call at 2:03 p.m. and immediately responded to the scene. According to a fire department spokesperson, the initial report indicated a young person had been hit and remained conscious. The Polish Air Rescue Service was dispatched, given the severity of the incident, with fire crews working to secure a landing area for the helicopter. The rapid response facilitated Marecki’s transfer to a nearby hospital, where medical staff fought to save his life.
Despite the swift medical intervention, Marecki succumbed to his injuries the following day. His family released an obituary announcing that their “beloved son, brother, and grandson” had passed away on Nov. 27, 2025, at the age of 11. The funeral service was held on Dec. 3 at a local parish church, where family, friends, and members of the Polish film industry gathered to pay their respects.
The young actor had already established himself as a rising talent in Polish cinema and television, with several notable performances to his credit. His breakthrough role came in the 2024 war drama “White Courage,” where he portrayed the brother of the main character, Bronka. The film garnered multiple awards and brought Marecki recognition within the industry.
Marcin Koszalka, who directed “White Courage,” expressed his grief over the loss in a statement. “He was very talented, and the world was opening up to him,” the director said, describing Marecki’s death as a “terrible, great loss.” The sentiment reflected the widespread sadness felt by those who had worked with the young performer and witnessed his developing abilities on screen.
Beyond “White Courage,” Marecki appeared in Netflix’s horror series “Cracow Monsters,” expanding his range into television production. He also starred in the film “Zolza,” playing the character Karol Sobanski, the son of the main character Anna. His most recent work included a role in “St. Anne’s Hospital,” which aired in 2025, where he portrayed Igor Hajduk, the son of one of the show’s central characters.
The collision occurred near Kraków in the southern region of Poland, an area where school bus safety has become a topic of renewed concern following this incident. Traffic accidents involving children remain a persistent challenge for communities worldwide, with pedestrian safety around school transportation zones requiring constant vigilance from drivers and ongoing education efforts.
Marecki was a student at Kosciuszko Primary School in Niedzwiedz, where he balanced his academic responsibilities with his growing acting career. The dual demands of education and professional work in entertainment can be challenging for young performers, requiring coordination between families, schools, and production schedules. His ability to maintain both commitments spoke to his dedication and the support system around him.
The Polish entertainment community has rallied around Marecki’s family in the wake of this loss. Social media tributes poured in from actors, directors, and fans who had followed his career or worked alongside him on various projects. The outpouring demonstrated the impact he had made in his brief time in the industry and the promise he showed for future success.
Child actors face unique circumstances as they navigate professional opportunities while still in their formative years. The entertainment industry has increasingly focused on protections and support systems for young performers, recognizing both the opportunities and pressures that come with early career success. Marecki’s work across multiple productions in both film and television showed his versatility and the confidence directors had in his abilities.
As the Polish film industry mourns this loss, Marecki’s performances remain as a testament to his talent. His roles in “White Courage,” “Cracow Monsters,” “Zolza,” and “St. Anne’s Hospital” showcase the range and depth he brought to his characters despite his young age. Those who worked with him remember not only his professional abilities but also his presence on set and the joy he brought to collaborative work.
The family has requested privacy as they process their loss, though they expressed gratitude for the support received from the entertainment community and the public. The funeral service provided an opportunity for those touched by Marecki’s life and work to gather in remembrance.
Fire department officials and emergency responders who attended the scene worked diligently to provide the best possible care under difficult circumstances. The coordination between ground crews and the air ambulance service demonstrated the comprehensive emergency response system in place, though ultimately, medical efforts could not overcome the severity of Marecki’s injuries.
