🔗 Share this article

Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise 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 accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, expressed condolences but rejected any individual targeting.

"Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, publicly called for him to receive help," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."

Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family.

Police Findings

The death of Naroditsky may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a police report issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was located and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."

Community Reaction

Anger over Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "terrible". GM from India Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".

Grandmaster's Impact

A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on streaming platforms. Known as Danya, he was celebrated 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, placing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.

Organizational Statements

The World Chess Federation said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky commented. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified 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. "The chess community has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of fairness and respect."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's family have said they hope he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura described him as "the best of us".

• Within the United States, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 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 jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie.
• Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.