Daniel Naroditsky: sudden death of a chess prodigy at 29

Daniel Naroditsky’s unexpected death at age 29 has sent shockwaves through the global chess community. While no official cause of death has been released, reports suggest possible foul play or substance-related issues in the days leading up to his passing. Naroditsky was not just a grandmaster — he was a beloved educator, streamer, and ambassador of the game who helped popularize chess for a broader audience. As the chess world mourns, the circumstances around his death remain clouded, and the questions about what truly happened persist.