Toxicology report says late US chess star Daniel Naroditsky had drugs in his system | Chess

American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky had a combination of stimulant and psychoactive substances in his system when he died last year, according to a toxicology report released by North Carolina authorities.

Naroditsky, 29, was found dead in his Charlotte home in October 2025, a loss that sent shockwaves through the global chess community. At the time, police said her death was under investigation because it could be an overdose or suicide. No official cause has been announced.

A toxicology report obtained from the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner shows Naroditsky had methamphetamine, amphetamine, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in his system at the time of his death. The latter two compounds are the main psychoactive ingredients in kratom, an herbal supplement that can act as a stimulant or sedative depending on the dose.

Methamphetamine and amphetamine are synthetic stimulants that can cause serious cardiovascular strain, organ damage, and fatal overdoses. Kratom, which is legal in much of the United States but not federally regulated, has been linked by the Drug Enforcement Administration to addiction, psychosis and withdrawal symptoms. All four substances are potentially addictive.

Naroditsky was discovered unconscious by two of his close friends, Oleksandr Bortnyk, another grandmaster, and Peter Giannatos, founder of the Charlotte Chess Center, where Naroditsky was head coach and resident grandmaster. Bortnyk said he went to see Naroditsky after repeated calls and messages went unanswered.

After Naroditsky’s death, Bortnyk said his friend had been deeply distressed in the preceding days, not least because of a public falling out with former world champion Vladimir Kramnik, whom Naroditsky had once admired. Kramnik had accused Naroditsky of cheating in online games, allegations that have never been substantiated and which Naroditsky has consistently denied.

On Tuesday, Kramnik issued a statement expressing condolences to Naroditsky’s family while forcefully rejecting allegations that his conduct played a role in the grandmaster’s death. Kramnik said that after Naroditsky’s death, he and his family faced harassment and death threats, prompting him to consider legal action.

“I deeply regret that this profound tragedy has been exploited by various individuals and groups to advance their own agendas,” Kramnik said. “Nothing can justify such immoral conduct.”

Kramnik added that he had already urged Naroditsky’s friends to seek help for him after observing what he described as visible health problems. He did not address the specific substances cited in the toxicology report.

The International Chess Federation (Fide) said it was examining whether Kramnik should face disciplinary action for his statements about Naroditsky before and after his death. The governing body said potential sanctions could include fines or suspension. Fide did not immediately respond to a request for comment after the toxicology results were released.

Naroditsky’s death marked a devastating end to one of the most influential careers in modern American chess. A prodigy who learned the game as a child in California, he gained national prominence in his early teens and became a grandmaster at 18. He went on to earn a degree in history from Stanford University and built a reputation not only as an elite competitor, but also as one of chess’ most gifted communicators.

Known to fans as “Danya,” Naroditsky helped shape the pandemic-era gaming boom through his instructional streams and commentary on YouTube and Twitch, where he amassed more than 800,000 subscribers across the platforms. His ability to explain complex positions with clarity and warmth has made him a must-have for beginners and experts alike.

While he remained among the best blitz players in the world – winning the US Blitz Championship just months before his death – Naroditsky had also spoken openly about the psychological toll of cheating accusations. In his recent live streams, he admitted to feeling more and more scrutinized each time he performed well.

Tributes poured in after Naroditsky’s death from players of all generations. Magnus Carlsen described him as “a resource to the chess community”, while Hikaru Nakamura called him “the best of us”. The American championship observed a minute of silence, while Fide announced its intention to award a memorial award in Naroditsky’s name.