Daniel Naroditsky, a chess-playing wunderkind who published a book on the game aged just 14, has died. He was 29.
Daniel’s death was announced by the Charlotte Chess Centre, an academy in North Carolina he was head coach for. A cause of death was not given.
‘It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Daniel Naroditsky,’ it said on Facebook.
‘Daniel was a talented chess player, commentator, and educator, and a cherished member of the chess community. He was also a loving son, brother, and loyal friend to many.’
Daniel, a former youth champion, consistently ranked in the top 200 worldwide for traditional chess.
He was well known for playing blitz chess, where players only have just five minutes to win the fast-paced, more tactical match.
Hans Niemann, a chess grandmaster, recalled on X how be bumped into Daniel on a flight home from the Reykjavík Open in Iceland.
‘I nervously approached him, but his warmth and willingness to talk immediately put me at ease,’ Hans said.
‘As my chess career continued, we played countless blitz games, and I credit a large part of my improvement to those battles.
‘Danya’s kindness, wisdom, and love for the game left a lasting mark on me. I offer my sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones. We will all miss you dearly.’
Other chess streamers paid tribute to Daneil, including five-time US Chess Champio Hikaru Nakamura.
‘I’m devastated,’ he posted on X. ‘This is a massive loss for the world of chess.
Ukrainian chess player Oleksandr Bortnyk added: ‘He was a very talented chess player. But more, he was a very good guy. Very kind guy.
‘He was a good friend.’
Dutch chess grandmaster Benjamin Bok wrote: ‘I still can’t believe it and don’t want to believe it.
‘It was always a privilege to play, train, and commentate with Danya, but above all, to call him my friend.’
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