Cause of death revealed for 29-year-old chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky

Wednesday, January 21, 2026
SAN FRANCISCO -- New details have been released in the death of a 29-year-old chess grandmaster.

Investigators said Daniel Naroditsky died on October 19, 2025, from an accidental drug overdose in Charlotte, North Carolina.

A medical examiner in North Carolina says the chess star had a dangerous mix of drugs in his system when he died, including meth.

MORE: Remembering beloved chess grandmaster, Bay Area native Daniel Naroditsky
Remembering beloved chess grandmaster, Bay Area native Daniel Naroditsky


The report shows he also ingested two psychoactive ingredients found in kratom, which is a supplement that can be used as a stimulant.



Naroditsky, who was raised in San Mateo County, California, started as a child prodigy, and quickly became one of the most influential voices in the chess world.

Naroditsky had a massive following worldwide and gained viral fame for winning games while wearing a blindfold.

He graduated from Crystal Springs Uplands School before going on to Stanford University.

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