The former world champion has broken his silence after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his family.
Kramnik's Statement
The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, offered sympathies but rejected any personal attacks.
"Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual 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 ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency."
Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "unfounded claims" 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, according to a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."
"On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was located and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."
Community Reaction
Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while reigning champion Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".
Grandmaster's Impact
A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was celebrated 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 repeatedly refuted the accusations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked 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 commented. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award.
Fide president Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently".
"Human life and dignity are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."
Family's Hope
Naroditsky's relatives have said they wish he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced 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 "the best of us".
- In the US, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist.
- In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie.
- Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
- Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.
