The recent death of 24-year-old Aleksander Biegański, a player for the first-league team Kotwica Kołobrzeg, has shocked the football community and ignited discussions surrounding medical negligence. Biegański tragically passed away on January 9, shortly after returning from what was supposed to be the vacation of his dreams on the exotic island of Zanzibar.
Initially, the cause of his death was not widely known, but subsequent investigations revealed it to be malaria—an illness Biegański had contracted during his trip. His family alleged he had shown clear symptoms upon his return, but medical personnel at the MSWiA Hospital in Katowice failed to connect his symptoms to his recent travels.
According to reports from family members, Biegański returned home at the end of December, feeling healthy initially. He had called his mother on January 4 to inform her he was feeling unwell, displaying flu-like symptoms. Just over one week later, he was admitted to the hospital with severe abdominal pain and high fever, accompanied by his father, who told the medical staff about his son’s recent trip to Zanzibar.
Despite the warning, medical professionals neglected to perform necessary tests for malaria upon Biegański's admission. Instead, they focused on possible pneumonia and appendicitis diagnoses, leading to the removal of his appendix on January 6. Family members expressed their frustration, stating, "I kept saying 'Zanzibar,' and they kept putting me out of the room," his mother, Monika Biegańska, recalled emotionally. "He was constantly saying to me, 'Mom, I’m telling them everything, but they don't listen.'" After days of detoriation and numerous misdiagnoses, Biegański was transferred to another facility where they finally conducted the malaria test, but it was too late—he passed away shortly thereafter.
Medical expert Dr. Anna Boroń-Kaczmarska, specializing in infectious diseases, explained the usual protocol for patients presenting symptoms after traveling to tropical regions. "The incubation period for malaria ranges from about seven to fourteen days," she stated. "A patient returning from such areas, particularly with fever and gastrointestinal symptoms, should be screened for malaria. It is one of the most common infectious diseases globally." The oversight from the hospital sparked outrage, with Biegański’s family planning to take legal action against the medical staff for what they believe to be gross negligence. "We believe if he had been properly diagnosed, he would still be alive today," Monika Biegańska expressed with heartbreak.
The hospital's response to the tragedy has been one of deflection. The director of medical treatment at MSWiA, Janusz Milejski, claimed they were only informed about Biegański's trip to Zanzibar on the third day of his hospitalization, contradicting the family's account. "We implemented all medical procedures based on the patient's history," he stated without addressing the direct accusations of negligence. These claims have only fueled the family's resolve, standing firm against what they feel is unjust treatment and accountability from the medical institution.
Following the news of Biegański's death, fellow players, fans, and the club released statements mourning his loss. The Kotwica Kołobrzeg football club expressed their condolences, stating, "Olek was not only a talented player but also a wonderful man, friend, and teammate," reflecting the deep impact he had on those around him.
The public outcry has led to renewed calls for proper medical protocols, particularly for healthcare providers treating patients returning from malaria-endemic regions. Current practices are under scrutiny, seeking improvement to prevent such tragedies from happening again. This incident has reignited discussions around the importance of awareness and swift response when dealing with infectious diseases.
On January 16, Biegański was laid to rest at the Chrystus Król Archcathedral, and he was buried at the municipal cemetery on Murckowska Street, where family and friends gathered to pay their final respects.
Aleksander Biegański’s death has underscored not only the perils associated with overseas travel but also the potentially fatal consequences of medical negligence. His family continues to advocate for accountability and justice, hoping their loss will not be forgotten and will serve as a catalyst for change within the healthcare system.