Tributes pour in for 11-year-old child star killed after being struck while stepping off school bus
Child acting star Nikodem Marecki has died after being struck by a vehicle whilst alighting from his school bus near Kraków, Poland on November 26.
The 11-year-old was hit by a car moments after leaving the bus in what police have confirmed as a tragic accident.
The young performer, who had appeared in several film and television productions, succumbed to his injuries the following day.
The incident occurred as Nikodem exited his school transport and was immediately struck by a passing vehicle.
Nikodem Marecki appeared in several Polish films and television productions
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Despite emergency services’ rapid response, including deployment of an air ambulance, medical staff were unable to save his life.
Nikodem passed away on November 27, just one day after the collision.
Emergency responders were alerted at 2.03pm in the village of Szczepanowice.
A fire department spokesman said: “The report indicated it involved a young person who remained conscious.”
Given the seriousness of the situation, Poland’s Air Rescue Service helicopter was summoned, with fire crews securing a landing zone for swift evacuation.
The young actor tragically passed away on November 27
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“Due to the nature of the incident, the Polish Air Rescue Service (LPR) was dispatched to the scene, and its officers secured the landing area, which facilitated the efficient transfer of the teenager to hospital,” the spokesman added.
Although Nikodem remained conscious during the initial response, his condition deteriorated after reaching hospital.
Nikodem’s family announced his death in an obituary describing him as their “beloved son, brother, and grandson”.
His funeral will take place tomorrow, December 3, as relatives and the Polish entertainment community prepare to say their final goodbyes.
Film director Marcin Koszałka, who worked with Marecki on the acclaimed war drama White Courage, paid tribute to Nikodem.
Alongside a slide show of photos of the young actor, Mr Koszalka wrote: “Terrible news. Nikodem Marecki, who in White Courage played the brother of the main heroine, Bronka, is dead.
“Nikodem ran from a school bus and was hit by a car.
“It’s a terrible, huge loss – he was incredibly talented, and the world stood in front of him.
In a heartbreaking conclusion, the director said, “See you later…”
Tributes quickly poured in for the star.
Polish actress Maja Ostaszewska commented: “Scary. Sympathy to the Family and Friends.”
Nikodem Marecki on the red carpet before his tragic passing
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Model Katarzyna Zawadzka penned: Oh my God… Nope… What terrible news. My condolences.”
“There are no words for such news in social media. No words for those beautiful carefree eyes of a boy, no words for the forever broken heart of a family. Condolences and sympathy,” one fan posted. Another added: “Dear God. Sympathy to the Family and Friends. Such a gorgeous little boy.”
A third fan wrote: “Awful. Unimaginable- sharing my pain with Family and Loved ones…”
Nikodem had already established himself as a rising talent in Polish cinema and television.
His breakthrough role came in White Courage, released last year, where he portrayed the brother of the main protagonist, Bronka.
His credits also included the TV series Krakow Monsters and the feature film Zołza, in which he played Karol Sobański, the son of the lead character, Anna.
His most recent appearance was in St. Anne’s Hospital, where he portrayed Igor Hajduk, the son of one of the central characters in the 2025 production.
Alongside his growing acting career, Nikodem was continuing his education at Kościuszko Primary School in Niedźwiedź, balancing academic responsibilities with acting gigs.
