🔗 Share this article

Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the death 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 "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones.

Kramnik's Statement

The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, expressed condolences but denied any personal attacks.

"Regardless of our differences, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, publicly called for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency."

Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family.

Police Findings

The demise of the grandmaster may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was found and later declared dead by a medic."

Community Reaction

Anger over Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "horrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "totally inappropriate".

Grandmaster's Impact

A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, 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 leading voice in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under rapid formats, 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 mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his final livestream.

Organizational Statements

The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Sutovsky stated. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration".

"Life and human worth 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 duty to uphold the principles of fairness and respect."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "the best of us".

• In the US, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
• In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.