American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky died last year after suffering a sudden heart rhythm disturbance, with an underlying heart condition identified as the primary cause, according to a report released by North Carolina medical authorities.
The 29-year-old was found dead at his townhome in Charlotte in October 2025. The medical examiner’s investigation concludes that Naroditsky died from a probable cardiac arrhythmia caused by undiagnosed systemic sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease that can affect the heart. Methamphetamine and kratom use were listed as contributing conditions, though the report states that the levels detected were not considered toxic or lethal on their own. The manner of death was ruled an accident.
According to the report, postmortem radiographic imaging revealed extensive granulomatous lung disease, findings that are “highly suggestive” of sarcoidosis. Cardiac sarcoidosis can disrupt the heart’s electrical system and is a known cause of sudden death, sometimes without prior diagnosis. The medical examiner noted that sudden unexpected death is the presenting manifestation in a significant proportion of cardiac sarcoidosis cases.
Toxicology testing detected methamphetamine and amphetamine in Naroditsky’s blood, along with compounds associated with kratom. Review of North Carolina prescription records showed no prescriptions for amphetamines or methamphetamine issued to Naroditsky. The report states that there was no evidence of intentional or unintentional overdose, no signs of traumatic injury and no indication of foul play.
Naroditsky was discovered unresponsive on his living room couch by close friends. In the days before his death, he had been under intense public scrutiny following cheating allegations made by former world champion Vladimir Kramnik, claims Naroditsky consistently denied. The medical examiner’s report notes that investigators considered stress related to those allegations while evaluating the possibility of overdose or suicide, but ultimately found no evidence to support either.
Naroditsky’s death marked a devastating loss for American chess. A prodigy who became a grandmaster at 18 and later graduated from Stanford University, he was known to fans as “Danya” and amassed more than 800,000 followers across YouTube and Twitch through instructional videos and live commentary.
