Daniel Naroditsky, a chess grandmaster and beloved figure in the online chess community, has died at the age of 29.
The Charlotte Chess Center shared a statement from his family confirming his “unexpected passing.” While the official cause of death has not been released, the news has left fans and fellow players stunned.
Naroditsky, who was popular on Twitch and other social media accounts, had recently explained in a YouTube video why he took a few weeks off from making videos. According to People, his death sent "shockwaves" throughout the chess community. In addition to being a grandmaster, Naroditsky was an author.
"You thought I was gone forever, but little do you know, I'm actually back and better than ever,” he said on October 17.
“I know that the episodes have been few and far between. I've been sort of taking a kind of creative break, deciding future avenues of content. I won't delve too much into it now because I know everybody's excited for some chess games."
Naroditsky's family confirmed only three days after his final YouTube video that the chess champion had died.
"The Naroditsky family shares the sad news of Daniel’s unexpected passing. Daniel was a talented chess player, educator, and beloved member of the chess community. We ask for privacy as the family grieves," the center wrote on X.
The statement, dated October 20, says, “It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Daniel Naroditsky. Daniel was a talented chess player, commentator, and educator, and a cherished member of the chess community, admired and respected by fans and players around the world. He was also a loving son and brother, and a loyal friend to many.”
The statement continued, “We ask for privacy for Daniel’s family during this extremely difficult time. Let us remember Daniel for his passion and love for the game of chess, and for the joy and inspiration he brought to us all every day."
The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner's Office told Complex that they couldn't release any information on his death.