🔗 Share this article

Vladimir Kramnik has spoken out after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful targeted 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 without evidence, expressed condolences but denied any individual targeting.

"Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, publicly called for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency."

Kramnik said his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers 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 report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was found and later pronounced deceased by a medic."

Chess World Response

Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "terrible". Indian grandmaster 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".

Grandmaster's Impact

A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on streaming platforms. Known as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, 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 consistently denied the allegations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast.

Official Responses

The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Sutovsky stated. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Federation president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted 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 status brings a duty to maintain the standards of equity and consideration."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's family have said they hope he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "among the finest".

• In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.