American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky was found unconscious at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina, on October 19, 2025. His death was confirmed the following day by his family through the Charlotte Chess Center, which described the loss as unexpected and deeply felt within the chess community. He was 29 years old.
Cause of death unknown
Authorities have not released an official cause of death and the family has asked for privacy during the investigation. Local media reported that emergency responders arrived at Naroditsky’s residence after being called for a medical emergency. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Naroditsky’s legacy
Naroditsky became a grandmaster in 2013 and gained prominence both as a competitive player and as an educator. He served as the Grandmaster-in-Residence at the Charlotte Chess Center, authored books on chess strategy and created popular online instructional content. In recent years, he has developed a strong following on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch, where his detailed commentary and calm presentation style have made advanced chess more accessible to new audiences.
His sudden death has led to an outpouring of grief and remembrance across social media, with fellow players describing him as thoughtful, generous, and dedicated to improving the game for others. The United States Chess Federation issued a statement calling Naroditsky “one of the most gifted educators and communicators in modern chess.”
As tributes continue, fans and colleagues reflect on how Naroditsky’s teaching and online presence helped inspire a new generation of chess enthusiasts. His influence extended well beyond competition, shaping how players learn, share and connect through the game today.