Two Dead at Chess Olympiad in Norway
I know what you’re thinking, but yes, you read that right. 2014 has been a strange year for chess-related deaths
Author: Brian Feldman
Posted: 08/15/14 11:40 EDT
The claim that chess is a physically taxing sport gained a lot more credence this week when two people straight-up, for-real died during the Chess Olympics in Tromso, Norway.
According to The Local, there was chaos in the playing “arena” when an elderly man collapsed with heart problems during a round. The Seychelles man, who later died, was 67 years old.
The situation really got out of hand when some people thought the defibrillator being used was a weapon (“It can be, if used correctly,” I say while avoiding eye contact). Morgan Lillegard, the Chess Olympics communication head, told reporters, “Panic spread because people thought there was an armed person. I can definitely confirm there was no weapons.” That seems like a given at the Chess Olympics?
A second tournament participant was found dead around 10:30 p.m. Thursday in his Radisson hotel room in Tromso. Police do not suspect foul play.
They’re probably right, but consider this: Is there anyone more cold and calculating and less conspicuous than an avid chess player? It’s the perfect cover. Nothing is ever black and white with chess players.
Source: http://www.vocativ.com
Pity.