Online Poker Icon Richard Lyndaker Passes Aged 33

August 2nd, 2019 | by Kaycee James

One of the top online poker players from the industry’s heyday, Richard Lyndaker, has died of an accidental overdose at his home in San Diego.

Online poker legend Richard Lyndaker, aka nutsinho, has died of an accidental overdose at the age of 33. (Image: Flickr/World Poker Tour)

The New York native had been nursing a recent soccer injury prior to his death according to a forum update on 2+2.

Written by close friend, the post explains that Lyndaker died between Monday July 29 and Tuesday July 30.

Unexpected Death Was Accidental

In an effort to prevent any misinformation, RIPnutsinho confirmed painkillers were the cause of death.

“Rich died at his apartment of an accidental overdose (confirmed by toxicology). He was taking prescribed pills to manage pain from a recent soccer injury,” RIPnutsinho wrote on August 1.

The post was the first anyone outside of Lyndaker’s family and close friends knew about the incident. Just days before, the player known online as nutsinho was active on social media.

wasn’t @draftkings big idea essentially to run ‘the beast’ for regular sportsbettting
— Richard Lyndaker (@LyndakerRichard) July 27, 2019

However, in a tragic twist of fate, the online poker legend has become the latest community figure to pass.

In Recent weeks, UK veteran Marty Wilson lost his battle to cancer, as did California’s Kevin Racks. Looking back further, other famous faces such as Dave Ulliott, aka The Devilfish, have all left behind legacies within the poker world.

Online Poker Mourns Passing

For those around during the online poker boom, Lyndaker was familiar figure. As well as winning over $2 million and playing some of the highest stakes available, nutsinho became a respected teacher.

Sharing his knowledge as part of the Leggo Poker team, the American won the respect of the online poker community. As news of his passing filtered through the social airways, tributes poured in.

Jason Koon said it was “heartbreaking” and that Lyndaker had “so much raw talent.” Echoing those sentiments, prominent figures such as Doug Polk and Andrew Lichtenberger also joined the chorus of condolences.

Wanted to take a moment to say how sad I am that Nutsinho passed away. I remember watching Stars NL 5k back in the day and thinking "this guy is an absolute sicko". It was seeing guys like Rich play that made me dream big in poker, it just feels so unfair that he is no longer…
— Doug Polk (@DougPolkPoker) August 2, 2019

https://twitter.com/luckychewy/status/1157122506043449344

Although life moves on, Lyndaker’s contribution to the game won’t be forgotten. Despite his age, the pro helped shape the career of countless players through forum posts and training videos.

This, in tandem with his own accomplishments, will see the name nutsinho remain prominent in the minds of online poker aficionados everywhere.