Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his family.
Kramnik's Statement
The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, offered sympathies but denied any individual targeting.
"Regardless of our differences, 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 stated. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of fundamental human decency."
Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.
Police Findings
The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being investigated as a possible suicide, based on a police report issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says 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 answered an assist medic call 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
Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "totally inappropriate".
Naroditsky's Legacy
A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, 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 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 repeatedly refuted the allegations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast.
Official Responses
The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Sutovsky commented. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award.
Federation president 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 fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."
Family's Hope
Naroditsky's family have expressed they wish he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us".
- In the US, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a support specialist.
- Throughout Britain and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
- In Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
- Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.
