🔗 Share this article

Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones.

Former Champion's Response

The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, expressed condolences but rejected any individual targeting.

"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, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of fundamental human decency."

Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were drafting civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.

Investigation Details

The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a police report released Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."

"On Sunday October 19th at around 7:11 PM, officers answered an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was found and later declared dead by a medic."

Chess World Response

Anger over Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "completely unacceptable".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was praised for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a prominent figure 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 speed chess title event in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations but admitted the impact they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his final livestream.

Organizational Statements

The World Chess Federation said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky stated. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Federation president 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 "to be reviewed independently".

"Human life and dignity are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of fairness and respect."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they hope he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen described 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 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
• In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie.
• Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.