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 tragedy while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones.
Former Champion's Response
The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging 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, observing through footage 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 explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency."
Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers 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, according to a police report released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."
"Last Sunday, October 19 at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was located and later pronounced deceased by a medic."
Chess World Response
Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "terrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "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. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated for his humor, clarity and humility, 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 blitz world championship in New York.
Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but admitted the impact they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his final livestream.
Official Responses
The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.
Fide president Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "to be reviewed independently".
"Human life and dignity are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to uphold the principles of fairness and respect."
Family's Hope
Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to 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 text HOME to 741741 to connect with a support specialist.
- In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie.
- In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
- Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
