Daniel Naroditsky, a renowned US chess grandmaster, shared an unsettling video on his YouTube channel just days before he passed away at the age of 29.
Achieving the esteemed grandmaster title at 18, Naroditsky, a former World Junior Champion, authored several books on chess.
He was known as Dayna and utilized YouTube to offer chess lessons, significantly broadening the game’s reach.
The Charlotte Chess Center, where Naroditsky was a coach for junior players, announced his untimely death on Monday, October 20.
They conveyed a message from his family via social media: “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.”
In the days leading up to his passing, Naroditsky uploaded a chess speed run walkthrough on YouTube.
This was his first speed run video in three months.
Ominously, he titled it: “You thought I was gone!? Speedrun returns!”
In the video’s introduction, he remarked: “You thought I was gone forever, but now I’m back and better than ever.”
Fans expressed their condolences and noted the eerie coincidence in the comments section.
“This title hits hard now, I’m so sad this is the final episode,” one commenter wrote.
“I can’t believe we will never get another video from this legend. I feel sick. Rest in Peace to the best chess teacher on YT,” another added.
More information to come.