Married at First Sight star Adrian Szymaniak has died at the age of 39, a year after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Szymaniak appeared in season three of the Polish version of the popular reality franchise in 2018, where he met his wife Anita Szydłowska, with whom he would welcome two children.
The reality star’s death was announced on September 5 in a heartbreaking Instagram post from Szydłowska, which read: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce that Adrian has passed away.
‘In these extremely difficult moments, the most important things for us are silence, closeness and the opportunity to say goodbye to Him with our loved ones.
“Adrian’s funeral will be strictly family and private.
‘We now especially need the peace and space to be able to say goodbye to Adriaan with love, dignity and silence.
Married at First Sight star Adrian Szymaniak has died at the age of 39, a year after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor
Szymaniak appeared in season three of the Polish version of the popular reality franchise in 2018, where he met his wife Anita Szydłowska, with whom he would welcome two children with
Szymaniak was diagnosed with grade four glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of primary brain cancer, in July 2025. He had openly shared his journey in battling his cancer
‘We thank everyone who respects our will, privacy and this very difficult time for us.
‘During this extremely difficult time for us, we ask you not to send personal condolences, telephone calls or messages. We need silence, peace and space to live this time with our loved ones.
“Thank you for your understanding, respect and regard for our need for privacy.
‘Adrian’s wife, children and friends.’
Szymaniak was diagnosed with grade four glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of primary brain cancer, in July 2025. He had openly shared his journey in battling his cancer.
In February he wrote: ‘Not every disease is visible. Maybe you are sick.
‘Maybe someone in your family or loved ones is suffering from a serious illness, cancer.
“Chances are you’ve passed a few of these people today — and you don’t even know it. Because it has to function. To smile. To live.
The reality star’s death was announced in a heartbreaking Instagram post by Szydłowska on September 5, which read: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce that Adrian has passed away’ – pictured with their daughter
Szymaniak and his wife – pictured with their two young children – renewed their wedding vows in December 2025 amid his health battle
‘Many people have been living with the diagnosis for years. Fight quietly or very loudly.
‘Sometimes they have no choice: the treatment is not reimbursed, despite years of premium payments. They have to ask for help just like I do, even though that is not easy at all.
‘I share my story because I have no other choice, but also because I believe it can give someone hope.
‘Instead of daily sadness and regret, I choose to be grateful for every day. Instead of being helpless, I choose to fight and plan for the future. For me they are the bridges to her.
‘I have dreams. I don’t lock myself between four walls. I share my experiences with others – in conversations, meetings, relationships I can joke with myself.
‘The diagnosis is not a judgment – until we accept it as a judgment ourselves. Physics is one of the most important components in the fight against disease.
‘Medicine is evolving. It gives you hope. It is worth looking for opportunities, good specialists, next door. Not all hospitals and doctors are equal. Not everyone can talk to patients and often they do not even have up-to-date knowledge. It’s worth looking further.
“If you saw me walking with my family today, you probably wouldn’t know that I’m battling one of the worst forms of cancer. That’s why we shouldn’t judge. Let’s not assume it.
‘One day I will have enough strength. Another one I don’t have.
‘This is what a disease looks like. It’s not just lying in bed, it’s also laughter and joy, sometimes even with much smaller things than before.
‘Let’s normalize this. Let us not tell ourselves what a sick person should look like.
‘I’m rooting for everyone. Let the smile appear on your faces as often as possible.’
His funeral took place on Wednesday in Żołędowo.
