Łukasz Litewka, a member of the Polish Parliament and social activist, died Thursday, April 23rd, after being struck by a car while cycling in Dąbrowa Górnicza.
Death of a Parliamentarian and Activist
Łukasz Litewka, a member of the New Left party and former Sosnowiec councilor, died in an accident on Thursday, April 23rd. The New Left spokesperson, Łukasz Michnik, confirmed his death, as did the party itself on social media.
The accident occurred around 1:20 PM on Kazimierzowska Street in Dąbrowa Górnicza. Initial reports indicate that Litewka was riding his bicycle when he was hit by a car that swerved into the opposite lane. The cause of the driver’s lane departure is currently under investigation, with some reports suggesting a possible medical episode, though prosecutors state the circumstances remain unclear.
Political Career
Łukasz Litewka served as a member of the Sejm (Polish Parliament) for the X term, representing Sosnowiec and the New Left. He held a degree in sociology and previously served as a city councilor for several years.
He gained wider recognition after the 2023 parliamentary elections, securing 40,579 votes from the last position on the Left’s list in district 32 – the highest result among candidates from his party in that district.
A Loss for Poland
Statements have poured in expressing grief over Litewka’s death, describing him as a man with a big heart and a politician dedicated to fighting for the rights of the vulnerable.
Social Activism and #TeamLitewka Foundation
Beyond his parliamentary work, Łukasz Litewka was well-known for his social activism and charitable initiatives. The #TeamLitewka Foundation emphasized his commitment to serving people, having built a community of nearly 700,000 across Poland.
The foundation, which he led, focused on providing assistance to those in need and protecting animals, regularly showcasing direct support for families and aid for shelters and homeless animals.
The “Zwierzogranie” Initiative
One of Litewka’s most prominent projects was “Zwierzogranie” – a charitable initiative inspired by the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity. Its goals included animal rights education, combating homelessness, and fundraising for animal welfare.
The first edition of the event attracted over 10,000 participants in person and over 100,000 online viewers. Funds raised led to the creation of an educational game, “Zwierzogranie,” on the Roblox platform, and the publication of the book “AdoPsiak Biszkopt,” promoting responsible dog adoption for preschool libraries.
Investigation and Reactions
Litewka’s death has prompted widespread reactions from the media and political figures. Authorities are currently investigating the full circumstances of the accident.