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This undated photo released by Charlotte Chess Center shows Daniel Naroditsky playing chess on the board. (Kelly Centrelli/Charlotte Chess Center via AP
Popular streamer and American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky died due to cardiac arrhythmia (an abnormal heartbeat) that was caused by an accidental overdose, a report from The Associated Press said citing the toxicology report. A toxicology report into the death of Naroditsky had noted that the 29-year-old had a cocktail of substances in his system like methamphetamine, amphetamine, 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine when he was found dead at his home in October 2025.
The manner of death was an accident, according to the findings of the autopsy report which was made public by the Charlotte Observer. The report which was prepared by Dr. James Lozano, medical examiner-forensic pathologist at the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office, also quoted the American grandmaster’s friends as saying that “two days before his death, he appeared to exhibit a concerning altered mental status while streaming online.”
The autopsy report mentioned: “They (Naroditsky’s friends) went to his residence (two days before his death) and ‘confiscated’ approximately 40 pills described as probably Adderall.” However, the report stated, “there is no evidence for intentional or unintentional overdose on illicit, prescription, and/or over-the-counter substances.”
The autopsy noted that the concentrations of methamphetamine and mitragynine, the primary active chemical in kratom, that were found in Naroditsky’s body were not fatal by themselves. “However, the potential for the cardiovascular stimulant effects of these substances to increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmia and thus contribute to death cannot be ruled out,” according to the report.
The American grandmaster had a condition known as systemic sarcoidosis that “is the underlying cause of death,” the report stated. Sarcoidosis produces lumps or nodules in the lungs. Naroditsky died suddenly, “without evidence of acute distress,” the autopsy showed. “He did not contact friends or emergency services with complaints of severe illness or pain.”
This undated photo released by Charlotte Chess Center shows Daniel Naroditsky playing chess on the board. (Kelly Centrelli/Charlotte Chess Center via AP
The AP report noted that the American grandmaster was last known to be alive on October 18 when he accepted a food delivery. He was found dead by his friends at his apartment the next day after missing a flight.
Naroditsky was accused of cheating by former world champion Vladimir Kramnik. Naroditsky vehemently denied the allegations, which were not proven.
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In his last livestream before his death, Naroditsky said the allegations had taken a toll on him.
“Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst of intentions. The issue is just the lingering effect of it,” the American streamer said.
(With inputs from AP)
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