Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his family.
Kramnik's Statement
The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, expressed condolences but rejected any personal attacks.
"Regardless of our differences, I was the sole individual 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 sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."
Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games 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 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, based on a law enforcement document released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was found dead 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 responded to an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was located and later pronounced deceased by a medic."
Chess World Response
Anger over Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "horrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "completely unacceptable".
Naroditsky's Legacy
A Stanford-educated prodigy 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 among the globe's top competitors under rapid formats, placing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.
Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the accusations but admitted the impact they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked in his final livestream.
Official Responses
The World Chess Federation said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.
Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration".
"Human life and dignity are core principles universally upheld," 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 remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "among the finest".
- In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist.
- Throughout Britain and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
- In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
- Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.
