The former world champion has broken his silence after the death of American grandmaster 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 campaign of harassment" against him and his family.
Former Champion's Response
The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play without evidence, offered sympathies but denied any individual targeting.
"Regardless of our differences, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."
Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were preparing legal actions 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 investigated as a possible suicide, based on a police report released 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 responded to an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was located and later pronounced deceased by a medic."
Chess World Response
Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".
Naroditsky's Legacy
A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on streaming platforms. 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 among the globe's top competitors under shorter time controls, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.
Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the accusations but admitted the impact they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.
Official Responses
The World Chess Federation said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky commented. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award.
Fide president Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration".
"Life and human worth are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of fairness and respect."
Family's Hope
Naroditsky's family have expressed they hope he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest".
- In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
- In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
- In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
- Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.
