US chess star Daniel Naroditsky's death was accidental, medical examiner says

"The medical examiner's investigation, conducted by Dr James R Lozano and obtained by the Guardian on Thursday, concludes that Naroditsky died from a probable cardiac arrhythmia caused by undiagnosed systemic sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease that most commonly affects the lungs but can also involve the heart. Methamphetamine and kratom (mitragynine) use were listed as contributing conditions, though the report states that the levels detected were not considered toxic or lethal on their own. The manner of death was ruled an accident."

"According to the report, postmortem radiographic imaging revealed extensive granulomatous lung disease, findings that are highly suggestive of sarcoidosis. Cardiac sarcoidosis can disrupt the heart's electrical system and is a known cause of sudden death, sometimes without prior diagnosis or warning symptoms. The medical examiner noted that sudden unexpected death is the presenting manifestation in a significant proportion of cardiac sarcoidosis cases."

"No autopsy was performed, but investigators said the totality of radiographic, toxicological and circumstantial evidence supported the conclusion. Toxicology testing detected methamphetamine and amphetamine in Naroditsky's blood, with the amphetamine present as a metabolite of methamphetamine rather than evidence of separate ingestion. Compounds associated with kratom, a plant-based supplement increasingly used for stimulant or pain-relieving effects, were also found."

Daniel Naroditsky was found dead at his Charlotte townhome in October 2025. The medical examiner concluded that he died from a probable cardiac arrhythmia caused by undiagnosed systemic sarcoidosis, with methamphetamine and kratom (mitragynine) use listed as contributing conditions. Postmortem radiographic imaging showed extensive granulomatous lung disease highly suggestive of sarcoidosis. Cardiac sarcoidosis can disrupt the heart's electrical system and cause sudden unexpected death, sometimes as a first manifestation. No autopsy was performed, but investigators cited radiographic, toxicological, and circumstantial evidence. Toxicology detected methamphetamine, amphetamine as a metabolite, and kratom compounds.

Read at www.theguardian.com