Daniel Naroditsky, an American chess grandmaster recognized for his significant contributions to popularizing chess through live streams and interactive commentary, was found deceased in his North Carolina residence in mid-October at 29 years old. The Medical Examiner’s Office in North Carolina released a toxicology report indicating that Naroditsky had multiple substances in his body at the time of death, with the cause attributed to an abnormal heartbeat resulting from an accidental drug overdose.
The toxicology tests detected methamphetamine and kratom, a substance related to opioids that is increasingly being incorporated into energy beverages, gummies, and dietary supplements, within Naroditsky's system. According to the report, Naroditsky was last seen alive on October 18 when he accepted a food delivery. The following day, after missing a scheduled flight, he was discovered deceased.
In the days preceding his death, Naroditsky exhibited unusual online behavior that concerned his friends, leading them to visit his home two days before he passed. During this visit, they removed 40 pills of Adderall, a stimulant medication. Investigators later uncovered bags of kratom at his residence, presenting a picture of multiple substances accessible within his environment.
Known as a chess prodigy, Naroditsky attained the grandmaster title by age 18, marking the highest level in chess aside from the World Championship. His peers commended him for expanding the reach of chess by offering live streams of his games and providing real-time commentary on others’ matches. His broadcasts attracted thousands of followers on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, fostering a more engaging interaction between the sport and its audience.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the realm of rapid competitive chess saw substantial growth. However, this expansion was shadowed by allegations of cheating linked to access to advanced computer programs providing unfair advantages, stirring tensions within the chess community.
Naroditsky became embroiled in controversy when former World Chess Champion Vladimir Kramnik accused him of cheating. Naroditsky denied these claims, which remained unproven. In one of his final livestreams, Naroditsky expressed the emotional toll the allegations had imposed on him, noting that successful performances were often met with suspicion and negative assumptions among viewers and peers.
In response to the ongoing conflict, the International Chess Federation lodged a formal complaint against Kramnik in November, alleging harassment and insults against fellow players’ dignity. Kramnik rejected the investigation as an insult and retaliated by filing a defamation lawsuit against the federation in December. Following Naroditsky's death, Kramnik issued a statement on social media calling the event a profound tragedy and condemned a smear campaign unfairly linking him to Naroditsky’s passing without factual evidence. He disclosed receiving multiple murder threats directed at himself and his family, which prompted his legal actions.
Kramnik also noted that despite prior disagreements, he publicly urged Naroditsky’s acquaintances on the morning of the grandmaster’s death to monitor and seek immediate help for him. Unfortunately, these efforts did not prevent the tragic outcome.