The cause of death of chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky has been formally confirmed, bringing clarity to a loss that deeply affected the global chess community. Authorities in North Carolina have determined that Naroditsky died from accidental poisoning after ingesting a combination of substances. The findings were released months after his passing and provide an official account of the circumstances surrounding his death at the age of 29.
The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner concluded that Naroditsky had multiple substances in his system at the time of his death. These included methamphetamine, amphetamine, and mitragynine, a compound known for its opioid-like effects. Naroditsky was found dead in Charlotte, North Carolina, in October, and his passing was publicly announced soon after by the Charlotte Chess Center, where he worked as an instructor and mentor.
Medical Examiner Confirms Accidental Poisoning in Daniel Naroditsky Case
The medical examiner’s report indicated that the combination of substances led to accidental poisoning, with no suggestion of intent or foul play. The findings were shared with media outlets, including TMZ, which cited direct confirmation from the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Officials attributed the death solely to the toxic effects of the drug mixture, emphasizing the accidental nature of the incident.
At the time of his death, Naroditsky was living and working in Charlotte, where he played a central role at the Charlotte Chess Center. The organization announced his death in October, acknowledging his contributions as both a teacher and a leading figure in American chess. The confirmation of the cause of death closes a period of uncertainty while reinforcing the importance of relying on verified medical findings.
