🔗 Share this article

Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his family.

Kramnik's Statement

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 sole individual in the chess community who, noticing on video 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 explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality."

Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were drafting civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" that have led to threats against him and his family.

Investigation Details

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 says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers answered an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was located and later pronounced deceased by a medic."

Chess World Response

Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "horrible". GM from India Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "totally inappropriate".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Known 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 blitz world championship in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations 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 suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.

Official Responses

The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Sutovsky commented. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently".

"Life and human worth are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has long respected 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 said they wish 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 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.
• In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.