North Carolina authorities have released a toxicology report confirming that American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky had a combination of stimulant and psychoactive substances in his system when he died last year. The findings shed new light on the circumstances surrounding the 29-year-old's tragic death, which sent shockwaves through the international chess community.
Substances Identified in Toxicology Analysis
The report obtained from the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reveals that Naroditsky had methamphetamine, amphetamine, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine present in his system at the time of his death. The latter two compounds represent the primary psychoactive ingredients found in kratom, a plant-based supplement that can function as either a stimulant or sedative depending on dosage levels.
Methamphetamine and amphetamine are powerful synthetic stimulants known to cause severe cardiovascular strain, potential organ damage, and fatal overdoses when misused. Kratom, while legal in many parts of the United States, remains unregulated at the federal level and has been associated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with dependency issues, psychosis, and significant withdrawal symptoms. All four substances identified in the report carry potentially addictive properties.
Circumstances Surrounding the Discovery
Naroditsky was discovered unconscious at his Charlotte home in October 2025 by two close friends: fellow grandmaster Oleksandr Bortnyk and Peter Giannatos, founder of the Charlotte Chess Center where Naroditsky served as head coach and grandmaster-in-residence. Bortnyk reported that he went to check on his friend after repeated calls and messages went unanswered.
Following the tragedy, Bortnyk revealed that Naroditsky had been experiencing significant distress in the days preceding his death, particularly concerning a public dispute with former world champion Vladimir Kramnik. The Russian grandmaster had accused Naroditsky of cheating in online games, allegations that were never substantiated and which Naroditsky consistently denied throughout the controversy.
Kramnik's Response and Ongoing Investigations
This week, Kramnik issued a formal statement expressing condolences to Naroditsky's family while strongly rejecting suggestions that his conduct contributed to the American grandmaster's death. Kramnik revealed that following Naroditsky's passing, he and his family faced harassment and death threats, prompting consideration of legal action against those responsible.
"I deeply regret that this profound tragedy was exploited by various individuals and groups to advance their own agendas," Kramnik stated. "There can be no justification for such immoral conduct."
The Russian grandmaster added that he had previously urged Naroditsky's friends to seek help for him after observing what he described as visible health concerns. Kramnik did not address the specific substances identified in the newly released toxicology report.
The International Chess Federation (Fide) has confirmed it is examining whether Kramnik should face disciplinary measures for his statements about Naroditsky both before and after the American's death. Potential sanctions under consideration include fines or suspension from competitive play. Fide has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the toxicology findings.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Naroditsky's death represents a devastating conclusion to one of the most influential careers in modern American chess. A genuine prodigy who learned the game as a child in California, he achieved national prominence by his early teenage years and earned the grandmaster title at just 18 years old.
After graduating from Stanford University with a history degree, Naroditsky built a reputation not only as an elite competitor but as one of chess's most gifted communicators. Known affectionately to fans as "Danya," he played a significant role in shaping the game's pandemic-era boom through his instructional streams and commentary on YouTube and Twitch, where he accumulated more than 800,000 followers across both platforms.
His unique ability to explain complex positions with clarity and warmth made him a beloved figure for beginners and experts alike. While he remained among the world's top blitz players—winning the US Blitz Championship just months before his death—Naroditsky had spoken openly about the psychological impact of cheating accusations, acknowledging in his final livestreams that he felt increasingly scrutinized whenever he performed well.
Community Tributes and Memorial Plans
The chess world responded to Naroditsky's passing with an outpouring of tributes from players across generations. World champion Magnus Carlsen described him as "a resource to the chess community," while American grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura called him "the best of us."
The US Championship observed a moment of silence in his honour, and Fide has announced plans to establish a memorial award in Naroditsky's name. His legacy as both a competitor and educator continues to resonate throughout the global chess community.
Police initially investigated Naroditsky's death as a possible overdose or suicide, though no official cause has been formally announced. The toxicology report provides the first detailed insight into the substances present in his system at the time of his passing.
