The former world champion has broken his silence after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while accusing 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 ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, offered sympathies but denied any individual targeting.
"Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, publicly called for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."
Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.
Investigation Details
The death of Naroditsky may have been the result of a drug overdose 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 found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."
"On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was located and later declared dead by a medical professional."
Chess World Response
Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "totally inappropriate".
Grandmaster's Impact
A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Known 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, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.
Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast.
Organizational Statements
The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Sutovsky stated. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.
Fide 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 emphasized. "Our global chess family has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of equity and consideration."
Family's Hope
Naroditsky's relatives 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 Nakamura described him as "among the finest".
- Within the United States, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
- Throughout Britain and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
- Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
- Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.