🔗 Share this article

The former world champion has broken his silence 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 launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his family.

Kramnik's Statement

The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, offered sympathies but denied 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 stated. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency."

Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family.

Police Findings

The death of Naroditsky 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 found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was found and later declared dead by a medic."

Chess World Response

Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while reigning champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".

Grandmaster's Impact

A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's pandemic-era boom. 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 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 remarked in his last online broadcast.

Official Responses

The World Chess Federation announced recently 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 verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration".

"Human life and dignity are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has long respected 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 relatives have said they hope he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "among the finest".

• In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
• In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.