The family and friends of Karol Zalewski, a well-known and beloved member of Plymouth’s parkour community, have paid heartfelt tributes following his tragic death in a motorcycle crash last week.
Karol, 27, died at the scene of a two-vehicle collision on Kings Road in Plymouth at approximately 10.50am on Tuesday, 20 May 2025. His motorcycle was involved in a collision with a red Mercedes. Emergency services responded quickly, but sadly, Karol was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Known affectionately as “Lolek,” Karol was a passionate parkour athlete, coach, and mentor whose impact on those around him was profound.
Family Heartbreak: “The World Will Never Be the Same Without You”
In a moving statement, Karol’s parents, Marzena and Tomasz, and his younger brother Kamil, expressed their sorrow and gratitude to the community:
“Thank you to everyone for the beautiful words you’ve shared about our son. It means so much to see how deeply he touched the lives around him.
Our little boy… you were taken from us in a heartbeat, without a chance to say goodbye. You had so many dreams, so many plans left unfinished. We just want to say thank you for letting us be your parents. We love you, our son. Always.”
Best Friend: “He Was the Best Person I’ve Ever Known”
Karol’s best friend of 20 years, Oskar Kieda, described him as more than a friend—“like a brother.”
“Karol was the most helpful person I’ve ever met—always putting others before himself. He would sacrifice his own happiness just to make someone else smile.
I hope my brother is in a better place now. I will always love him and carry him in my thoughts. Rest in peace, Karol.”
Girlfriend’s Tribute: “We Had So Many Plans for the Future”
Karol’s girlfriend Meg Cadwaladr also shared her heartbreak:
“Lolek, you were the sweetest, kindest, purest soul. I still cannot get my head around that I won’t ever see your beautiful smile again. I love you so, so much. We are all going to miss you very much.”
Plymouth Parkour Team: “He Impacted Hundreds Worldwide”
Karol’s contributions to the Plymouth parkour scene were significant. The Plymouth Parkour Team described him as a mentor and role model:
“Karol/Lolek was an honourable young man, a great role model, and a mentor to a new generation of athletes. We witnessed his metamorphosis from a shy teenager to a noble man with solid morals and deep love for his community.”
Scruffy Boys: “You Were and Always Will Be Our Brother”
Close-knit friends from the parkour group Scruffy Boys called Karol their “heart and soul”:
“You gave so much life to our circle. You were the spontaneous energy that held us together… a hype man, a coach, a mentor, a son, a brother. Thank you for everything, Lolek.”
Police Appeal for Information
The road was closed for a forensic investigation following the collision. Devon and Cornwall Police are urging any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage of the incident to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or visit the police website, quoting log 208 of 20 May 2025.
