🔗 Share this article

Vladimir Kramnik has spoken out after the tragic passing 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 targeted harassment" against him and his family.

Kramnik's Statement

The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, expressed condolences but rejected any personal attacks.

"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, publicly called for him to receive help," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."

Kramnik asserted 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 noted his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.

Investigation Details

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 police report issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was located and later pronounced deceased by a medic."

Community Reaction

Anger over Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "horrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".

Grandmaster's Impact

A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a prominent figure in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also among the globe's top competitors 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 psychological well-being. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his final livestream.

Organizational Statements

The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky stated. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed 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".

"Human life and dignity are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's relatives have said they hope he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura described him as "the best of us".

• In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist.
• Throughout Britain 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 located through befrienders.org.