American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky’s death last year has been officially attributed to a combination of stimulant and psychoactive substances, according to a recently released toxicology report by North Carolina authorities. The shocking news of Naroditsky’s passing at the age of 29 sent waves of grief throughout the global chess community.
Naroditsky was found unresponsive in his Charlotte home in October 2025, and initial investigations by the police indicated that his death might have been due to an overdose or suicide. However, no definitive cause of death was immediately announced. The toxicology report revealed the presence of methamphetamine, amphetamine, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxymitragynine in his system, with the latter two being compounds derived from kratom, a plant-based supplement known for its dual stimulant and sedative effects, depending on the dosage.
Methamphetamine and amphetamine are known synthetic stimulants that can lead to severe health risks, such as cardiovascular issues and organ damage, making their presence particularly concerning. Meanwhile, kratom, while legal in many parts of the United States, has been linked to complications such as dependency and psychosis.
Friends and fellow grandmasters Oleksandr Bortnyk and Peter Giannatos discovered Naroditsky unconscious, with Bortnyk stating he became worried after failing to reach him via phone. In the days leading up to his death, Naroditsky reportedly expressed significant distress, particularly surrounding accusations made by former world champion Vladimir Kramnik, who claimed Naroditsky cheated in online games—a charge Naroditsky vehemently denied and that lacked any substantiation.
Kramnik later expressed his condolences to Naroditsky’s family and categorically defended his behavior, claiming he and his family had been subjected to harassment following the grandmaster’s death. He condemned the exploitation of the situation for personal agendas and stated he had urged Naroditsky’s friends to assist him in seeking help when he noticed concerning signs of distress.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has opened an investigation into the matter to determine whether Kramnik’s statements regarding Naroditsky warrant disciplinary action, which could potentially involve fines or suspension.
Daniel Naroditsky’s passing marks a tragic loss for the chess world. A chess prodigy who emerged as a national figure in his teens, he achieved grandmaster status by 18. Alongside his significant competitive achievements, which included winning the US Blitz Championship shortly before his death, Naroditsky also distinguished himself in broadcasting and education, garnering over 800,000 followers on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. His knack for explaining intricate chess positions with clarity made him a beloved figure among both newcomers and seasoned players.
The response to his death has been overwhelmingly positive, with tributes flooding in from chess players across eras. Magnus Carlsen hailed Naroditsky as a valuable resource to the chess community, while Hikaru Nakamura celebrated him as “the best of us.” To honor his legacy, FIDE has announced plans to establish a memorial award in his name, ensuring that his influence and contributions to the game will be remembered.