Vladimir Kramnik has spoken out after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones.
Kramnik's Statement
The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, offered sympathies but rejected any individual targeting.
"Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."
Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were drafting legal actions 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 examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a police report issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."
"On Sunday October 19th at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was located and later declared dead by a medic."
Community Reaction
Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "terrible". Indian grandmaster 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".
Grandmaster's Impact
A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also among the globe's top competitors under rapid formats, placing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.
Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the accusations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked in his final livestream.
Organizational Statements
The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky stated. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.
Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration".
"Life and human worth are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness and respect."
Family's Hope
Naroditsky's family have expressed they wish he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us".
- In the US, individuals may contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
- Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
- Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14.
- Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.
