American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky has died at the age of 29, his family has said.
"It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Daniel Naroditsky," the family said in a statement released by his club, the Charlotte Chess Center, on Monday.
"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."
No cause of death was given.
Born in California in 1995, Naroditsky was one of the United States' most recognisable chess figures.
A former world youth champion, he became a grandmaster in 2013.
In addition to competing – he finished ninth in the blitz world championship last year – he was a popular commentator, writer and online educator.
Naroditsky streamed regularly on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube.
Players and fans praised his teaching skills and friendly personality as tributes poured in from around the world.
"I'm devastated," American world number two Hikaru Nakamura said.
"This is a massive loss for the world of chess."
Danny Rensch, one of the key figures with prominent chess website Chess.com, described Naroditsky as "more than an amazing, inspirational face of our game — he was a friend and brother".
"The news is devastating for the chess world and all who knew him. It’s impossible to put words to this kind of loss," Rensch said.
Reuters/ABC
