The former world champion has spoken out after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful 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 without evidence, expressed condolences but rejected 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, publicly called for him to receive help," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality."
Kramnik said his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games 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 legal actions 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, based on a police report released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes 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 vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was found and later declared dead by a medical professional."
Chess World Response
Anger over Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India Sarin, who faced 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 ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to 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, placing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.
Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his final livestream.
Official Responses
The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky stated. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize.
Fide president Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, 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 emphasized. "The chess community has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to maintain the standards of equity and consideration."
Loved Ones' Wish
Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura referred to 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 support specialist.
- In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
- In Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14.
- Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.
