🔗 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 demise as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal 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 digital foul play without evidence, expressed condolences but rejected any individual targeting.

"Regardless of our differences, 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 receive help," Kramnik declared. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency."

Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family.

Investigation Details

The demise of the grandmaster may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being investigated as a possible suicide, based on a law enforcement document released Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."

"On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was found and later declared dead by a medic."

Chess World Response

Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "horrible". GM from India Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "completely unacceptable".

Grandmaster's Impact

A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, 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 leading voice in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also one of the world's finest players under rapid formats, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his final livestream.

Official Responses

The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Sutovsky commented. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Federation president Dvorkovich later verified 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 "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 maintain the standards of fairness and respect."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's relatives have said they hope he is recalled not because of the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura described him as "the best of us".

• Within the United States, individuals may contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a support specialist.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 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 found at befrienders.org.