The former world champion 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 launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful campaign of harassment" against him and his family.
Kramnik's Statement
The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, offered sympathies but denied any personal attacks.
"Regardless of our differences, I was the only person in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, publicly called for him to receive help," Kramnik declared. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality."
Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have led to threats against him and his family.
Police Findings
The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a law enforcement document 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 assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was found and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."
Chess World Response
Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "totally inappropriate".
Naroditsky's Legacy
A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, 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 COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under rapid formats, placing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.
Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the allegations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.
Organizational Statements
The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky commented. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.
Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "to be reviewed independently".
"Human life and dignity are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."
Family's Hope
Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru 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 text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
- In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
- Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
- Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
