Shock and drugs angle in death of US chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky

American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky dies at 29 (X/CLTchesscenter)

The death of US chess personality Daniel Naroditsky numbed the fraternity on Tuesday. The reason behind this shock development has not officially been disclosed yet. Naroditsky was 29. He was an accomplished player, commentator, author and online educator.

Former world champion Vladimir Kramnik smelt something wrong and asked for an investigation. Chess players from all over the world including India expressed grief at losing someone they liked.

News of Naroditsky’s passing was confirmed by a statement issued by the family and released by his club – Charlotte Chess Center in North Carolina. “It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Daniel Naroditsky,” it said. “Daniel was a talented chess player, commentator and educator, and a cherished member of the chess community... We ask for privacy as the family grieves.”

Also Read | Who is Daniel Naroditsky - American chess grandmaster who passed away at 29

Known as ‘Danya’, he was a popular figure especially in the cyber chess world. Kramnik said the death might have been caused by drugs. In a series of social media posts two days before the tragedy, he had expressed surprise at Naroditsky’s recent behaviour in certain video platforms.

“Danya streaming. Looks like he is on some serious drugs. Quite worried, chess mafia is dangerous,” Kramnik posted on X on October 18. The Russian settled in Switzerland had commented last year that he suspected Naroditsky of cheating in online games. This claim was aggressively denied.

On Tuesday, the 50-year-old said the former world under-12 champion didn’t get adequate support from people around him. “Too high price paid, but if I was the only person shouting about obvious long term problems of Danya becoming alarming, requiring urgent measures from people around, while ‘friends’ only cared about hiding it and erase evidence, it’s rotten to the core,” said Kramnik, urging a probe. “What exactly happened? Awful tragedy, hope (it’s) properly investigated.”

Incidents of chess players getting involved in drugs-related problems are rare, although dope tests are conducted in select tournaments. So far, there are no reports of a confirmed and double-checked failed test. However, players have been pulled up for refusing to give samples and avoiding tests, which is treated as an equivalent of a failed test with the same quantum of punishment.

The chess community was struggling to come to terms with the news. “I’m devastated. This is a massive loss for the world of chess,” said Hikaru Nakamura of the US, the world No. 3.

Naroditsky was a Grandmaster himself who excelled in the shorter formats. “This is absolutely shocking! My deepest condolences,” posted India’s Vidit Gujrathi.

“I can’t believe this… Everyone who interacted with Danya loved him. I feel heartbroken,” was the reaction of Levon Aronian, an Armenian representing the US since 2021.

Noted Indian coach RB Ramesh said he will miss working with a “kind, courteous, extremely talented and generous” person.