🔗 Share this article

Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful campaign of harassment" against him and his family.

Former Champion's Response

The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, expressed condolences but rejected any individual targeting.

"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, publicly called for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality."

Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" that have led to threats against him and his family.

Investigation Details

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 law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."

"On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered 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 medic."

Community Reaction

Anger over Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "horrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "completely unacceptable".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, 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 repeatedly refuted the accusations 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 said in his final livestream.

Organizational Statements

The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Sutovsky stated. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently".

"Human life and dignity are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to uphold the principles of fairness and respect."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us".

• In the US, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.