🔗 Share this article

Vladimir Kramnik 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 "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones.

Kramnik's Statement

The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, expressed condolences but denied 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, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, right after 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 online play had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting 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 result of a drug overdose and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, 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. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while five-time world champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers 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. Known as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a leading voice in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also one of the world's finest players under shorter time controls, 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 said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Sutovsky stated. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration".

"Life and human worth are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of equity and consideration."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is recalled not because of the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us".

• Within the United States, individuals may contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• In Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.