Chess Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky Found Dead in North Carolina at 29

Daniel Naroditsky, a celebrated American chess grandmaster, died suddenly at 29, prompting widespread tributes for his kindness, humility, and contributions as a player, commentator, and educator. Naroditsky, a former World U12 Champion and grandmaster since age 18, was known for his strength in online blitz and bullet chess and had a significant following on YouTube and Twitch. His death followed a distressing emotional breakdown during a livestream after allegations of cheating by former Russian world champion Vladimir Kramnik, and was discovered when two friends made an emergency 911 call after finding him unresponsive at his home in Charlotte. The cause of his death remains undetermined. Naroditsky had been supported early in his career by the Samford Chess Fellowship, which aids promising young American players. The chess community remembers him fondly for his humor, educational content, and personal warmth, with many sharing memories and condolences online.