Robert James Fischer, known as Bobby Fischer, died on January 17, 2008, in Reykjavik, Iceland, at age 64. He had spent his later years largely in seclusion after major controversies, including legal issues with the U.S. and a detention in Japan in 2004 before he was allowed to settle in Iceland.

Quick scoop

  • What happened: He rose from chess prodigy to world champion, then became increasingly reclusive and controversial.
  • Final years: He lived in Iceland after his release from Japanese detention in 2004.
  • Death: He died of kidney failure after a long illness.

Why people still ask

Fischer is remembered both as one of the greatest chess players ever and as a deeply troubled public figure whose later life drew attention for his anti- government statements and antisemitic remarks.

Bottom line

If you just want the short version: Bobby Fischer is not missing or alive in secret—he died in 2008 in Iceland.

TL;DR: Bobby Fischer became a chess legend, withdrew from public life, and died in 2008 at 64.