The former world champion has broken his silence after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while accusing critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his family.
Former Champion's Response
The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, offered sympathies but rejected any personal attacks.
"Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, openly urged for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency."
Kramnik said his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and stated 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.
Investigation Details
The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being investigated as a possible suicide, based on a law enforcement document released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."
"On Sunday October 19th at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was located and later pronounced deceased by a medic."
Chess World Response
Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "completely unacceptable".
Naroditsky's Legacy
A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was praised for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a leading voice in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under rapid formats, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.
Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast.
Organizational Statements
The World Chess Federation said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky stated. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award.
Fide president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "to be reviewed independently".
"Life and human worth are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness and respect."
Loved Ones' Wish
Naroditsky's family have said they hope he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "the best of us".
- Within the United States, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
- In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
- In Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14.
- Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.
