In a tragic turn of events, a toxicology report has revealed that American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky had multiple drugs in his system at the time of his death. The 29-year-old was discovered at his residence in Charlotte, North Carolina, in October, leaving the chess community in mourning and searching for answers.
Naroditsky, who had gained recognition as a chess prodigy, was found lifeless on his couch on October 19. The discovery was made by fellow grandmaster Oleksandr Bortnyk, a close friend and colleague, according to reports from the Daily Mail. The somber event followed accusations directed at Naroditsky concerning the alleged use of computer “chess engines” to cheat, a claim that had surfaced among family members.
Achieving the prestigious title of grandmaster at just 18, Naroditsky had become a respected figure in the chess world. However, the recent toxicology findings, released by the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, have added a layer of complexity to the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise. The report confirmed the presence of methamphetamine, amphetamine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, and mitragynine in his system.
While the exact manner of Naroditsky’s death remains undisclosed, the chess community is grappling with the implications of these findings. The International Chess Federation has initiated an ethics probe focusing on Russian grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik. Kramnik has been accused of repeatedly claiming that Naroditsky engaged in cheating, a controversy that further complicates the narrative surrounding Naroditsky’s legacy and final days.
He had methamphetamine, amphetamine, 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine in his system when he died, according to a toxicology report provided to NBC News by the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Naroditsky’s manner of death has not yet been released.
About one year before Naroditsky’s death, Russian grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik accused him of cheating in online chess, repeatedly posting about the allegations on social media without providing evidence.
Daniel Naroditsky, pictured here as a child chess prodigy, became a grandmaster and leading online ambassador for the game. The Charlotte Chess Center announced his death at age 29. (Getty Images)
Naroditsky, who built a large following on YouTube and Twitch, denied the allegations and accused Kramnik of trying to ruin his life, Fox News Digital previously reported.
Arkady Dvorkovich, the president of FIDE, the International Chess Federation, referred Kramnik’s statements to the ethics and disciplinary commission, noting “appropriate action” would be taken if evidence of harassment or bullying was found.
Naroditsky defeated Italian American chess grandmaster Fabiano Caruana in 2021 and maintained a top 25 ranking throughout his adult career, winning the U.S. National Blitz Championship just a few months before his death.
U.S. chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky appears during a chess livestream. (YouTube screenshot)
The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner declined Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
