American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky posted a frightening video just days before his sudden death aged 29.
Born in San Mateo, California, in 1995, it quickly became clear that Naroditsky was a chess prodigy, learning from his dad at just six years old.
Just six years later, Naroditsky proved his talents on the glonal stage as he won the World Youth Chess Championship in the boys under 12 category, before earning the title of grandmaster at the age of 18.
The chess star then decided to try and pass on his knowledge of the popular sport writing multiple books before taking to YouTube in 2019 to teach chess online.
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However, shocking news on Monday confirmed that Naroditsky had tragically passed away at just 29 years old, days after his final YouTube video.
In a statement posted on social media, the Charlotte Chess Center, where he coached junior players, confirmed thew news of Naroditsky's unexpected' death.
Sharing an announcement from his family, the post read: "Daniel was a talented chess player, commentator and educator, and a 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... Let us remember Daniel for his passion and love for the game of chess, and for the joy and inspiration he brought to us all every day."
Naroditsky's cause of death is yet to be publicly disclosed.
Just days before his tragic death, Naroditsky returned to his YouTube channel for the first time in nearly one month, posting a chess speed run walkthrough.
Hauntingly, the video is titled: "You thought I was gone!? Speedrun returns!"
During the intro of the video, the chess grandmaster added: "You thought I was gone forever, but now I'm back and better than ever."
Naroditsky was known to hundreds of thousands of fans across the world by his nickname Danya, with many of them taking to social media to pay tribute to the chess star.
In a livestream on popular platform Kick, fellow Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura thanked Naroditsky for helping to change the perception of chess.
“He loved streaming, and he loved trying to be educational,” he said.
“The chess world is very grateful” he continued, adding that Naroditsky was 'someone who tried to do what he could for chess.'
"I am a bit of a mess obviously," he added.
Topics: YouTube
Ben McCrum