The unexpected death of American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky at just 29 years old has taken a new turn with the release of a toxicology report detailing substances found in his system. The report, obtained by NBC News from the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, reveals a complex picture surrounding the young chess prodigy's passing.
Findings from the Toxicology Report
According to the official document, Naroditsky had methamphetamine, amphetamine, 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine in his system when he died. The first two chemicals are synthetic stimulants with significant abuse potential, while the latter two are the primary active compounds found in Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia that produces opioid-like effects.
All substances detected have recognised addiction potential according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, indicating high potential for abuse and dependence despite some restricted medical applications. While Kratom itself is not a controlled substance, the DEA has listed it as a Drug and Chemical of Concern, noting that regular consumption can lead to psychotic symptoms and both psychological and physiological dependence.
Circumstances Surrounding the Death
Naroditsky was discovered deceased on his couch at his Charlotte, North Carolina home on October 19 by friend and fellow grandmaster Oleksandr Bortnyk, who had gone to check on him. At the time, police indicated to the Daily Mail that the death might have been either suicide or accidental overdose, as they found no signs of foul play or criminal activity at the scene.
His mother, Elena Naroditsky, told the Daily Mail that her son had been planning to visit family in the Bay Area the week following his death and celebrate his birthday on November 9, suggesting the overdose was likely accidental rather than intentional. She described her son as "so brilliant, so incredibly kind and loving, thoughtful, giving, inspiring."
The Impact of Cheating Allegations
In the year preceding his death, Naroditsky faced repeated accusations of cheating in online chess games from 50-year-old Russian chess grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik. Kramnik claimed Naroditsky was using "chess engines" - computer programs that generate optimal moves - during online matches.
Naroditsky, who was world champion from 2000 to 2006, consistently denied these allegations. His mother revealed to the Daily Mail that the cheating accusations caused her son significant stress and emotional struggles. "There was nothing more important to Daniel than his dignity and his name as a chess player," she explained. "Daniel tried to defend himself so much. The whole world was on Daniel's side. He played more and did more and more because he was trying to prove that he's not what he was accused of."
Naroditsky's Public Statements About the Stress
In his final livestream, Naroditsky described the toll the cheating accusations had taken on him. "Unfortunately, ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst of intentions," he shared. "The issue is the lingering effect of it."
He previously stated that Kramnik was trying to "destroy my life" and inflict "emotional and physical harm," calling the sustained accusations "delusional" and an "evil and absolutely unhinged attempt to destroy my life." Naroditsky added, "I'm tired of mincing words, he is trying to ruin my life, trying to inflict emotional harm, physical harm on me. He knows exactly what he's doing, and this is one of the most wicked people I have ever dealt with."
Reactions and Aftermath
Following Naroditsky's death, Kramnik faced widespread criticism for continuing his accusations. In response, the Russian grandmaster shared a post on X stating: "Without a doubt, this recent tragedy should be investigated by police. There are too many huge financial interests involved to be sure about it being just an incident. I am ready to provide all information required."
On Tuesday, Kramnik issued a public statement acknowledging that Naroditsky's loss was a tragedy for his family and the entire chess community. The statement also claimed that a smear campaign had unjustly tied Naroditsky's death to him, resulting in death threats directed at both Kramnik and his family.
Naroditsky's Chess Legacy
Daniel Naroditsky was a child prodigy who achieved the highest chess title of grandmaster at just 18 years old. Throughout his adult career, he maintained a top 25 ranking and won the U.S. National Blitz Championship shortly before his death.
Beyond competitive chess, Naroditsky had built a substantial online following with approximately 500,000 subscribers on YouTube and over 300,000 followers on the livestreaming platform Twitch, where he regularly posted educational chess content that inspired a new generation of players.
