Adrian Szymaniak, a participant in the third season of the Polish version of "Married at First Sight," has died at the age of 39. His wife, Anita Szydłowska, announced his passing in an Instagram post on September 5, stating that he died after a year-long battle with a brain tumor.
Szymaniak was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of primary brain cancer, in July 2025. He had openly shared his experiences with the illness, emphasizing the importance of hope, gratitude, and fighting for the future despite a diagnosis.
In a February post, Szymaniak wrote about the often-invisible nature of serious illnesses, encouraging people not to judge others based on their outward appearance. He noted the unpredictable nature of the disease, with good days and bad days, and advocated for normalizing what it looks like to live with an illness. He also stressed the importance of seeking out good specialists and exploring all available treatment options, highlighting that medicine is constantly evolving.
Szymaniak and Szydłowska met in 2018 on the reality show and went on to have two children. They renewed their wedding vows in December 2025, amid Szymaniak's health challenges.
Glioblastoma, a grade four astrocytoma, is known for its rapid growth and aggressive nature. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons reports that it is most commonly diagnosed in men aged 50 to 60, with an average survival rate of 14 to 16 months after diagnosis. The chances of surviving five years are approximately 10 percent. The tumor is a mass of cells growing quickly in the brain and, in most cases, is not linked to a family history of the disease. While it does not spread to other organs, it is difficult to target once diagnosed. Symptoms can include vision problems, memory issues, dizziness, and headaches, but these are often nonspecific and can vary widely among individuals. Surgery to remove the tumor, or part of it, is only performed if it does not risk damaging surrounding brain tissue, as the cancerous cells may have already spread throughout the brain, making complete removal nearly impossible even with radiation and chemotherapy.
Szymaniak's funeral was a private, family-only event. Szydłowska requested privacy and space for her family during this difficult time.