Image Credit: San Francisco Chronicle via Gett Daniel "Danya" Naroditsky, best known as the chess grandmaster who could play the game blindfolded, died on October 19, 2025, his family and the Charlotte Chess Center announced. He was just 29. Since the announcement noted that his death was "unexpected," many want to know what led to the young chess player's death. "It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Daniel Naroditsky," the statement from Naroditysky's family read.