The former world champion has broken his silence after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones.
Former Champion's Response
The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play without evidence, offered sympathies but denied any personal attacks.
"Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality."
Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.
Police Findings
The demise of the grandmaster may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to a law enforcement document released Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."
"On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was located and later declared dead by a medical professional."
Chess World Response
Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "terrible". GM from India Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "completely unacceptable".
Naroditsky's Legacy
A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was praised for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under shorter time controls, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.
Naroditsky repeatedly refuted 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 suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast.
Organizational Statements
The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Sutovsky commented. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award.
Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be submitted to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration".
"Life and human worth are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of fairness and respect."
Loved Ones' Wish
Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is remembered not for 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 Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest".
- In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist.
- In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
- Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
- Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.
