Autopsy: Chess Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky Died From Accidental Drug Cocktail at 29

The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined that chess grandmaster and popular commentator Daniel Naroditsky died after ingesting a combination of drugs, ruling the death an accidental poisoning. Toxicology findings released to PEOPLE showed methamphetamine and amphetamine, along with 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine — compounds commonly associated with kratom.

Toxicology Findings

The medical examiner indicated that Naroditsky had multiple substances in his system. Officials told TMZ the cause of death was "accidental poisoning after ingesting a drug cocktail." The presence of both stimulant substances (methamphetamine and amphetamine) and kratom compounds was noted in the toxicology report.

Timeline and Official Response

Police and emergency responders were called to a private residence in the southern suburbs of Charlotte on Oct. 19 at approximately 7:11 p.m., according to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department incident report obtained by PEOPLE. Responders found an unresponsive person who was later pronounced dead by medic personnel. The death was announced publicly on Oct. 20 by the Charlotte Chess Center, which asked for privacy as the family grieved. Early in the investigation the case was described as sudden and was examined as a potential suicide or drug overdose.

Daniel Naroditsky/YoutubeDaniel Naroditsky.

Career and Online Presence

Naroditsky grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and rose quickly through the chess ranks. He won the Under-12 section of the World Youth Chess Championship in 2007, published Mastering Positional Chess at age 14, won the U.S. Junior Championship in 2013, and earned his grandmaster title later that year. He was awarded the Samford Chess Fellowship in 2014 and remained an active competitor in U.S. Championships, frequently ranked among the world top 200.

In addition to his over-the-board accomplishments, Naroditsky built a large online audience. His YouTube channel had more than 484,000 subscribers, where he streamed games and provided live commentary. His final video was uploaded on Oct. 17 after he said he was taking a "creative break."

What Is Known — And What Is Not

The medical examiner's report and police filing provide the latest factual details about the substances detected and the official ruling. Authorities and the family have not released further public details about the circumstances surrounding how the substances were obtained or ingested.

Resources: If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential support and treatment referrals.