The former world champion has broken his silence after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his family.
Former Champion's Response
The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, offered sympathies but denied any individual targeting.
"Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."
Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were drafting civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.
Police Findings
The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to a police report released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."
"On Sunday October 19th at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was found and later pronounced deceased by a medic."
Chess World Response
Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".
Naroditsky's Legacy
A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a leading voice in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also among the globe's top competitors under rapid formats, finishing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.
Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.
Organizational Statements
The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award.
Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently".
"Life and human worth are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."
Loved Ones' Wish
Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they wish he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "the best of us".
- In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
- Throughout Britain and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
- In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
- Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
