🔗 Share this article

The former world champion has spoken out after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his family.

Former Champion's Response

The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, 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 get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event 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 "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" 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 investigated as a possible suicide, according to a police report released Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers answered an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was located and later declared dead by a medic."

Community Reaction

Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters 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. Referred to 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, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.

Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the allegations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast.

Organizational Statements

The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "to be reviewed independently".

"Human life and dignity are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's family have said they hope he is remembered not for the hostility he endured 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 "among the finest".

• Within the United States, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a support specialist.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.