The former world champion has spoken out after the death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his family.
Kramnik's Statement
The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, expressed condolences 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 receive help," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality."
Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and stated he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.
Police Findings
The demise of the grandmaster may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being investigated as a possible suicide, based on a police report issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities 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 assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was located and later declared dead by a medical professional."
Chess World Response
Anger over Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while five-time world champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "totally inappropriate".
Naroditsky's Legacy
A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. 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 among the globe's top competitors under shorter time controls, placing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.
Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the allegations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast.
Official Responses
The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky commented. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award.
Fide president 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".
"Life and human worth are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness and respect."
Loved Ones' Wish
Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while 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 text HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist.
- Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie.
- In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
- Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
