From the Charlotte Chess Center:
It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Daniel Naroditsky. Daniel was a talented chess player, educator, and cherished member of the chess community. He was also a loving son, brother, and loyal friend.
We ask for privacy for Daniel’s family during this extremely difficult time. Let us honor Daniel by remembering his passion for chess and the inspiration he brought to us all.
Posted by mistberries
2 Comments
the entire chess world is grieving right now. and i know it sounds dramatic for someone most of the fans have never actually met, but chess is a very emotionally intense game. and danya truly represented the best of us. for that, he was harassed and bullied by people who had nothing better to do with their lives. it’s extremely unfortunate and infuriating, but we want more people to know danya’s name and how much he meant to us in the world of chess.
*on a more personal note:*
the idea of playing online chess feels disgusting to me right now. i can’t do it. and i haven’t slept all night (it’s now fully daytime here). i catch myself hovering here on reddit and on youtube, and whenever i see people bring him up or i see videos with his face, i catch myself actually forgetting that he’s gone. i don’t think i’ve ever grieved like this for somebody i didn’t personally know. and i’m not even that big of a fan. i just enjoy his commentary and the occasional stream (i don’t think i’ve sat through a full stream or even youtube video).
it just gets to me so hard thinking about how much mental turmoil he was probably suffering through those last few days, whether or not that had anything to do with how he passed. and how kind and lovable and fair he always seemed. it feels extremely unkind, spiteful, and unfair that this happened to him, of all people (not that anyone deserves it).
So sad. He will be missed 💔 it doesn’t feel real yet. I don’t even have the words.