Vladimir Kramnik has spoken out after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones.
Kramnik's Statement
The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, offered sympathies but rejected any personal attacks.
"Regardless of our differences, I was the only person in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, openly urged for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of fundamental human decency."
Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.
Police Findings
The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a police report issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased 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 answered an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was found and later declared dead by a medical professional."
Chess World Response
Anger over Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "horrible". GM from India Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".
Grandmaster's Impact
A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, 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 leading voice 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 admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.
Organizational Statements
The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Sutovsky commented. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize.
Federation president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently".
"Life and human worth 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 status brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."
Loved Ones' Wish
Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they wish he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us".
- Within the United States, you can call or text 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 contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
- Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
- Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
