CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Condolences poured into the Charlotte Chess Center after the sudden death of grandmaster and lead instructor Daniel Naroditsky.

The Charlotte Chess Center announced Naroditsky’s death in a statement on social media, attributed to the chess phenom’s family.

Naroditsky, 29, amassed an online following of nearly one million followers.

Chess instructor Tim Hanks said Naroditsky was one of the most influential figures in the chess community. He was also instrumental in helping Charlotte become a global destination for chess enthusiasts, Hanks said.

“Daniel’s character and his personality is tremendously amicable and was easy to get a long with. And his communication skills were exceptional,” Hanks said. “To have known him and to work with him was truly rewarding,

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