Daniel Naroditsky, a grandmaster who rose from child prodigy status to become among America’s most significant figures in competitive chess, died Monday at 29, the Associated Press reported.

The Charlotte Chess Center in North Carolina, where Naroditsky both trained and served as coach, confirmed his passing through social media posts, describing him as “a talented chess player, educator and beloved member of the chess community.”

His family issued a statement through the center saying, “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,” AP reported.

Officials did not disclose what caused his death. At 18, Naroditsky earned a grandmaster designation, the sport’s highest distinction below World

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