Chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky had drugs in his system at time of death, toxicology report says
American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky had multiple drugs in his system when he died last year, according to a toxicology report.
Naroditsky was found dead in October 2025 at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was 29 years old.
Police began investigating his death as a possible drug overdose or possible suicide.
Naroditsky had methamphetamine, amphetamine, 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine in his system at the time of death, according to a toxicology report provided to NBC News by the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Methamphetamine and amphetamine are synthetic stimulants, while 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine are major psychoactive ingredients found in kratom, a supplement that can be used as a stimulant.
Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia that “can lead to psychotic symptoms, and psychological and physiological dependence,” according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Methamphetamines and amphetamines can cause organ damage and even death, the DEA says. All the drugs found in Naroditsky’s system are potentially addictive.
Naroditsky, a child prodigy who became one of the most influential American voices in the sport, was found unconscious on a sofa by his friends, grandmaster Oleksandr Bortnyk and Peter Giannatos, founder of the Charlotte Chess Center.
Bortnyk said he had come to check on his friend after he didn’t respond to his calls and messages. He also said that Naroditsky was upset about a situation with Vladimir Kramnik, a former world chess champion he once idolized who accused him of cheating.
Kramnik, 50, told NBC News in email exchanges that he has been the “subject of a bullying and slandering PR campaign,” as well as ongoing threats to him and his family following Naroditsky’s death.
The World Chess Federation (known as FIDE) announced it would investigate whether Kramnik should be disciplined for the disparaging public statements he made “before and after the tragic death” of Naroditsky. FIDE said Kramnik could be financially sanctioned or banned entirely.
FIDE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
