The former world champion has spoken out after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful 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 alleging Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, offered sympathies but rejected any individual targeting.
"Regardless of our differences, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, openly urged for him to receive help," Kramnik declared. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency."
Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.
Investigation Details
The demise of the grandmaster may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to a law enforcement document released 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 answered an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was found and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."
Chess World Response
Anger over Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign 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 Twitch and YouTube. 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 one of the world's finest players under shorter time controls, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.
Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but admitted the impact 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 said in his last online broadcast.
Official Responses
The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky commented. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award.
Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks 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 fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to maintain the standards of equity and consideration."
Loved Ones' Wish
Naroditsky's family have said they hope he is recalled not because of the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest".
- In the US, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
- Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
- Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
- Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.
