An 11-year-old Polish actor known for his roles in Netflix’s “Cracow Monsters” and the 2024 film “White Courage” died after being struck by a vehicle while exiting his school bus near Kraków on Nov. 26, 2025.
Nikodem Marecki was hit at approximately 2:03 p.m. in Szczepanowice, a small community located near Poland’s historic second city. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the young performer still conscious despite the severity of his injuries.
A fire department spokesperson described the emergency response to the incident, stating that due to the serious nature of the collision involving a young person, specialized air medical services were immediately requested. The Polish Air Rescue Service was dispatched to the scene, with officers securing a landing area to facilitate the rapid transfer of the injured child to a medical facility.
Despite the quick response from emergency personnel and his transfer to the hospital by air, Marecki succumbed to his injuries the day after the incident. His obituary confirmed his passing at age 11, noting he was remembered as a beloved son, brother, and grandson.
The young actor had already begun building an impressive resume in Polish cinema and television. He appeared in the Netflix horror series “Cracow Monsters,” which showcases supernatural stories set in the historic city. His most prominent role came in “White Courage,” a 2024 war epic that allowed him to demonstrate his dramatic abilities on screen.
Marcin Koszalka, who directed “White Courage,” expressed his grief over the loss of his young cast member. The director described Marecki’s death as a “terrible, great loss” and characterized the child actor as “very talented and the world was opening up for him.”
School bus safety remains a critical concern across many countries, with children facing unique vulnerabilities during boarding and exiting procedures. The moments when students step off buses are particularly dangerous, as drivers on the road may fail to observe proper stopping procedures or children may unexpectedly enter traffic zones. Many regions have implemented strict laws requiring vehicles to stop when school buses are loading or unloading passengers, with flashing lights and stop signs designed to alert motorists.
The entertainment industry has long grappled with balancing the opportunities available to child performers against their need for normal childhood experiences and protection. Young actors often work long hours on set while maintaining their education through tutors or modified schedules. Poland, like many European countries, has specific labor regulations governing the employment of minors in film and television production.
Marecki’s emerging career represented the growing international reach of Polish entertainment productions. Netflix and other streaming platforms have increasingly invested in content from diverse markets, providing opportunities for actors from smaller film industries to reach global audiences. “Cracow Monsters” exemplifies this trend, bringing Polish folklore and urban legends to viewers worldwide through the platform’s extensive distribution network.
The community of Szczepanowice, where the incident occurred, is located in southern Poland near Kraków, one of the country’s oldest and most culturally significant cities. Kraków serves as a major center for film production in Poland, with its historic architecture and proximity to rural landscapes making it an attractive location for both domestic and international productions.
Child actors often face unique challenges in the entertainment industry, requiring support systems that address both their professional development and personal well-being. The loss of a young performer resonates throughout film communities, as directors, producers, and fellow cast members recognize both the human element and the potential that will remain unrealized.
The incident underscores the everyday risks children face in routine activities like traveling to and from school. While film sets implement extensive safety protocols for young performers, the journey between home and work or school occurs in environments where protection is less controlled.