Vladimir Kramnik 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 accusing critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones.
Kramnik's Statement
The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, expressed condolences 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 declared. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."
Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would provide material to "appropriate officials". 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 demise of the grandmaster may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to a police report issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."
"Last Sunday, October 19 at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was found and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."
Chess World Response
Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "terrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "completely unacceptable".
Grandmaster's Impact
A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also among the globe's top competitors under shorter time controls, 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 suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast.
Organizational Statements
The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Sutovsky stated. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize.
Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "to be reviewed independently".
"Life and human worth are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to maintain the standards of fairness and respect."
Loved Ones' Wish
Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is recalled not because of the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura described 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 crisis counselor.
- Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie.
- Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
- Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.
