Nikodem Marecki, an 11-year-old actor from Poland, known for his performances in Netflix’s “Cracow Monsters” and the 2024 movie “White Courage,” was tragically killed by a vehicle on November 26, 2025, while leaving his school bus near Kraków.
The accident occurred around 2:03 p.m. in Szczepanowice, a small community near Kraków, one of Poland’s most historical cities. Upon arrival, emergency medical personnel found Marecki conscious, despite suffering from severe injuries.
A spokesperson from the local fire department shared that following the severity of the incident involving a minor, an immediate call for air medical services was made. The Polish Air Rescue Service rushed to the scene, with an area being secured for landing to expedite Marecki’s transfer to a healthcare facility.
Despite the prompt response by emergency services and his air transport to the hospital, Marecki passed away the day after the accident. His obituary confirmed his death at age 11, and he was lovingly remembered as a cherished son, brother, and grandson.
Before his tragic death, Marecki was already making a name for himself in the Polish film and television industry. His roles included a part in the Netflix horror series “Cracow Monsters,” set in his country’s historical city, and a prominent role in the 2024 war film “White Courage,” where his dramatic acting skills were showcased.
Marcin Koszalka, the director of “White Courage,” expressed his sorrow over the loss of the young actor, describing Marecki’s death as a “terrible, great loss” and praising him as a “very talented” actor for whom “the world was opening up.”
School bus safety continues to be a paramount issue worldwide, with unique risks presented during boarding and alighting. These moments are particularly dangerous as motorists may not adhere to stopping procedures, or children may inadvertently step into traffic. Strict measures have been put in place in many regions, including mandatory stopping when school buses are loading or unloading students, with visual alerts like flashing lights and stop signs to warn drivers.
The entertainment industry has long been struggling to balance the opportunities offered to child actors with their need for a normal childhood. Child actors often have to juggle long working hours on set and their education. Poland, like many European countries, has specific labor laws addressing minor employment in film and television production.
Marecki’s burgeoning career was a testament to the expanding global reach of Polish entertainment. Streaming platforms like Netflix have been investing in content from various markets, allowing actors from smaller film industries to reach worldwide audiences. “Cracow Monsters” is a prime example of this trend, with Polish folklore and urban legends reaching global audiences via Netflix’s vast distribution network.
Szczepanowice, the community where the tragic accident occurred, is in southern Poland near Kraków, a historic and culturally rich city that is a significant hub for film production in the country. Its historic architecture and close proximity to rural landscapes make it a popular shooting location for both local and international projects.
The funeral service for Marecki took place on December 3, 2025, at a local parish church in Poland. The event was attended by his family, friends, and members of the Polish film industry.
In the aftermath of the accident, the Kraków District Prosecutor’s Office released information about their ongoing investigation. Officer Oliwia Bożek-Michalec confirmed that interviews with witnesses, including students from the involved school bus, had been conducted and the bus driver was found to be sober at the time of the incident. An autopsy was performed with specialized test results expected within a month. Investigators are currently determining if there were any traffic safety regulation breaches and are reconstructing the event sequence.
Tributes poured in from the Polish entertainment community throughout December, which included a heartfelt Instagram post from actress Joanna Liszowska, who played Marecki’s mother in the TV series “Szpital św. Anny.”
As of January 2026, no significant updates have been released regarding the investigation. It remains ongoing with no new public updates, and no charges have been filed to date.
