# Death of cinematographer Witold Płóciennik attributed to own > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/search-for-missing-polish-cinematographer > Updated: 2026-09-08T12:00:00.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 3. The intensive search for 56-year-old cinematographer Witold Płóciennik ended tragically when his body was discovered on Thursday, September 3, in a forest complex near Lake Krzywe in the Lubniewice area of the Lubuskie Voivodeship. Płóciennik had been missing since August 29, when he traveled to the area for rest during a break from filming a new Netflix production. The large-scale operation utilized police, firefighters, soldiers, drones, helicopters, and specialized tracking dogs to scan over 1,000 hectares of forest and coastal areas. Following an autopsy, the District Prosecutor's Office in Gorzów Wielkopolski determined that Płóciennik died of acute respiratory and circulatory failure. Investigators stated that the autopsy showed no external or internal injuries and no signs of a struggle, effectively ruling out suicide and the involvement of third parties. Forensic experts have collected tissue samples for microscopic analysis to more precisely determine the exact cause of the failure. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities await a full written opinion from forensic medical experts. The Polish film community has expressed profound grief, describing the death of the award-winning cinematographer as an ‘irreplaceable loss.’ ## Claims - Witold Płóciennik is a 56-year-old film cinematographer. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The disappearance occurred near Lake Lubniewsko in the Lubuskie Voivodeship. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Płóciennik was in the region to work on a new Netflix production. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The autopsy revealed that the man died of acute respiratory and circulatory failure. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The investigation has ruled out the involvement of third parties or suicide. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The date of death may correspond to the date he went missing. (corroborated by 3 sources) - No external or internal injuries were found on the body. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Tissue samples were taken for microscopic examination to determine the exact cause of failure. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The search involved helicopters, drones, thermal imaging, and tracking dogs. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The body was discovered on September 3 in a forest complex near Lake Krzywe. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Witold Płóciennik went missing on August 29. (single source) - His Volkswagen Tiguan was found parked in the center of Lubniewice. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Witold Płóciennik death attributed to respiratory failure An autopsy revealed that film operator Witold Płóciennik died of acute respiratory and circulatory failure. Investigators have ruled out foul play or suicide following his discovery in a forest near Lubniewice. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/witold-pciennik-death-attributed-to-respiratory-failure ### 2026-09-03: Witold Płóciennik: Renowned cinematographer found dead The body of acclaimed Polish cinematographer Witold Płóciennik was found in a forest near Lubniewice on September 3, ending a multi-day search. Authorities are awaiting autopsy results. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/witold-pciennik-search-continues-for-missing-polish-cinematographer ### 2026-08-31: Witold Płóciennik: Renowned cinematographer missing in Poland Polish authorities and military forces are conducting an intensive search for renowned cinematographer Witold Płóciennik, who went missing near Lake Lubiąż in Lubniewice. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/witold-pciennik-prominent-polish-cinematographer-reported-missing --- Cite as: Death of cinematographer Witold Płóciennik attributed to own. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/search-for-missing-polish-cinematographer