The former world champion has spoken out after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal targeted 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, expressed condolences but rejected any individual targeting.
"Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, noticing on video 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 … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."
Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination 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 preparing 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 result of a drug overdose 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 describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."
"Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an assist medic call in the vicinity of 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 conduct has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while reigning champion Carlsen labeled it "terrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers 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. Known as Danya, he was praised for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a leading voice in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under rapid formats, finishing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.
Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast.
Official Responses
The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.
Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the federation's disciplinary body "to be reviewed independently".
"Human life and dignity are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has long respected the accomplishments 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 provided others every day". Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest".
- In the US, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist.
- Throughout Britain 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.
- Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.
