The former world champion has spoken out after the death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones.
Kramnik's Statement
The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, offered sympathies but rejected any personal attacks.
"Regardless of our differences, I was the sole individual 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 declared. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency."
Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have led to threats 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 report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."
"Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to 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 pronounced deceased by a medic."
Community Reaction
Anger over Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while five-time world champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".
Naroditsky's Legacy
A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was praised 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.
Official Responses
The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Sutovsky commented. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize.
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 "for independent consideration".
"Life and human worth are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."
Loved Ones' Wish
Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Carlsen called 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 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist.
- In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
- Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
- Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.
