Vladimir Kramnik has spoken out after the death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his family.
Former Champion's Response
The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, offered sympathies but denied any individual targeting.
"Regardless of our differences, 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 get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit 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 noted his lawyers were drafting civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" that have led to threats against him and his family.
Police Findings
The demise of the grandmaster may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being investigated as a possible suicide, 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 describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."
"On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was located and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."
Chess World Response
Anger over Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "totally inappropriate".
Grandmaster's Impact
A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. 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 blitz world championship in New York.
Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the allegations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his final livestream.
Official Responses
The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky stated. The organization 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 submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently".
"Human life and dignity are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."
Family's Hope
Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they hope he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", 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 message HOME to 741741 to connect with a support specialist.
- Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
- In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
- Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
