Daniel Naroditsky, a chess grandmaster from the Bay Area and well-known commentator, died unexpectedly at age 29, his family said Monday in a statement.

"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," his family said in a statement shared by Naroditsky's club, the Charlotte Chess Center. "Let us remember Daniel for his passion and love for the game of chess, and for the joy and inspiration he brough to us all every day."