(KRON) – Daniil Naroditsky, chess grandmaster, Bay Area native and former world junior chess champion, has died unexpectedly. His family announced In a statement on Friday.
The statement was circulated on social media before Charlotte Chess Centre – A chess organization based in North Carolina, where Narodetsky trail.
“It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Daniel Naroditsky,” the family statement said. “Daniel was a gifted chess player, commentator, mentor, and cherished member of the chess community, admired and respected by fans and players around the world. He was also a loving son and brother, and a loyal friend to many. We ask for privacy for Daniel’s family during this extremely difficult time. Let us remember Daniel for his passion and love for the game of chess, and for his joy.” And the inspiration he brings to all of us every day.”
Narodetsky’s cause of death is not publicly known at this time. He was 29 years old.
Naroditsky grew up in the Bay Area and won the US chess championship at the grade level twice, according to him Charlotte Chess Center profile. In April 2007, while in fifth grade, he became the youngest player to win the California K-12 Chess Championship. In November of that year, he achieved national fame by winning the World Youth Chess Championship under 12 years.
“Daniel successfully continued to advance in chess while attending a rigorous middle and high school, earning a chess title. [International Master] title in 2011 and became a Grand Master in the summer of 2013, before starting 12th grade.
Daniel received his BA in History from Stanford University in 2019. He has written two chess manuals in his life and created Strong following on social mediawith over 100,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube.