The former world champion has spoken out after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones.
Kramnik's Statement
The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play 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 obvious health issues a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency."
Kramnik asserted 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 "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "false accusations" that have led to threats 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 law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."
"Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, 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 declared dead by a medical professional."
Community Reaction
Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "terrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "completely unacceptable".
Naroditsky's Legacy
A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated 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 blitz world championship in New York.
Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the allegations but admitted the impact 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 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 is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.
Fide president 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 "to be reviewed independently".
"Life and human worth 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 uphold the principles of equity and consideration."
Loved Ones' Wish
Naroditsky's relatives have said they hope he is recalled not because of the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura referred to 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 reached at 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
- Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
- Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
