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Chess Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky Died From Accidental Overdose
American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky died from an abnormal heart rhythm caused by an accidental drug overdose, according to a toxicology report released Tuesday by the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office.
Naroditsky, 29, was found dead at his home in October. The report said he had multiple substances in his system, including methamphetamine and kratom, an opioid-related ingredient commonly found in some supplements and energy products, according to the medical examiner.
The report said Naroditsky was last known to be alive on Oct. 18, when he accepted a food delivery. He was discovered dead the following day after missing a scheduled flight, according to investigators.
Friends had gone to Naroditsky’s home two days before his death after he appeared to be behaving unusually online, the report said. They removed about 40 Adderall pills from the residence. Investigators later found bags of kratom inside the home, according to the medical examiner.
Naroditsky was a chess prodigy who earned the grandmaster title at age 18, one of the highest distinctions in the sport. He later became widely known for livestreaming matches and providing real-time commentary on platforms including YouTube and Twitch, helping expand chess’s online audience.
In recent years, Naroditsky had been publicly accused of cheating by former world champion Vladimir Kramnik, allegations Naroditsky denied and that were not substantiated. The controversy intensified amid a broader debate over cheating in online speed chess.
In his final livestream before his death, Naroditsky said the accusations had affected him emotionally. “Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst of intentions,” he said.
The International Chess Federation later filed a complaint against Kramnik alleging harassment. Kramnik, in a post Tuesday on X, called Naroditsky’s death an “immense tragedy” and denied any connection to it.
