The former world champion has spoken out after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones.
Former Champion's Response
The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, offered sympathies but denied any personal attacks.
"Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, publicly called for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to directly link 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 submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.
Police Findings
The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being investigated as a possible suicide, based on a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased 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 emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was found and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."
Chess World Response
Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "terrible". GM from India Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "completely unacceptable".
Naroditsky's Legacy
A Stanford-educated prodigy 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 among the globe's top competitors under shorter time controls, placing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.
Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked in his final livestream.
Organizational Statements
The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive 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, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the federation's disciplinary body "to be reviewed independently".
"Life and human worth are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to maintain the standards of fairness and respect."
Family's Hope
Naroditsky's family have said they hope he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen described 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 Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist.
- Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
- Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
- Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
