🔗 Share this article

Vladimir Kramnik has spoken out after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for mounting 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 broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, expressed condolences but denied any personal attacks.

"Despite the tensions, I was the only person 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 stated. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect 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 "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have led to threats 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 law enforcement document released Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"On Sunday October 19th at around 7:11 PM, officers answered an assist medic call 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."

Community Reaction

Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", 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 gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was praised 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, finishing 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 psychological well-being. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his final livestream.

Organizational Statements

The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor 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 organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration".

"Life and human worth are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to maintain the standards of fairness and respect."

Family's Hope

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". Magnus Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us".

• In the US, individuals may contact 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 contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.