The former world champion has spoken out after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones.
Former Champion's Response
The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, offered sympathies but denied any individual targeting.
"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 get assistance," Kramnik declared. "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 calls for a review of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.
Investigation Details
The death of Naroditsky may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a police report released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was found dead 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 document states. "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 reigning champion Carlsen labeled it "horrible". GM from India Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".
Grandmaster's Impact
A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on streaming platforms. Known as Danya, he was celebrated for his humor, clarity and humility, 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 consistently denied the accusations but admitted the impact 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 final livestream.
Organizational Statements
The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Sutovsky stated. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize.
Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be submitted to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration".
"Human life and dignity are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of equity and consideration."
Loved Ones' Wish
Naroditsky's family have said they hope he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while 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.
- In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
- Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14.
- Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
