The former world champion has broken his silence after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his family.
Kramnik's Statement
The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play without evidence, offered sympathies 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 declared. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency."
Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.
Police Findings
The demise of the grandmaster may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a police report issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."
"Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was found and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."
Chess World Response
Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while reigning champion Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "totally inappropriate".
Naroditsky's Legacy
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 leading voice in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under shorter time controls, 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.
Organizational Statements
The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky stated. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize.
Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently".
"Life and human worth are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."
Family's Hope
Naroditsky's family have expressed they hope he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura described him as "the best of us".
- In the US, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text 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].
- Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
- Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
