The death of 29-year-old chess phenom Daniel Naroditsky shocked his fans and the chess world.
He was well-known for his YouTube tutorials and talent and had a prolific online presence. Many chess fans are wondering how Naroditsky died, but the cause of death was not released. The Charlotte Chess Center shared a statement from his family confirming his “unexpected passing," however.
Now, another chess champion may face discipline in the wake of Naroditsky's death. According to CNN, Vladimir Kramnik is a "grandmaster and the world chess champion between 2000 and 2007," who "had repeatedly accused Naroditsky of cheating in online games."
Kramnik wrote a statement on X after Naroditsky died. "I have contacted the Charlotte police Department and asked them to investigate the death of Daniel, providing them some additional info. Hope will be done, and real truth about the curcumstances and cause of this tradegy will be revealed, despite all attempts to hide it," he said, in a post riddled with spelling errors.
His comments come as the International Chess Federation announced an investigation into grandmaster Kramnik as the chess world continued to reel from Naroditsky's death.
"Human life and dignity are fundamental values shared by all of us. While we hold deep respect and love for the game of chess that unites our community, these values must always come first," the Federation's post reads.
"In recent times, public debate within the chess world has too often moved beyond the boundaries of acceptable, harming not only people’s reputation but their very well-being. When this happens, discussions can turn into harassment, bullying, and personal attacks — a particularly serious concern in today’s environment," according to the statement.
"The chess community has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, and his contributions to our sport are undeniable," it says. "The same high standards that accompany great achievements, however, also confer a responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness and respect and to be ambassadors for the sport."
"Therefore, I, along with the FIDE Management Board, will formally refer all relevant public statements made by GM Vladimir Kramnik — both before and after the tragic death of GM Daniel Naroditsky — to the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission for independent consideration," according to the statement, which was signed by Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President.
"At the same time, I reaffirm that FIDE will take appropriate action in any case where a lack of respect, public harassment, or bullying is observed within the chess community. We all share responsibility for ensuring that our sport remains a space of integrity, respect, and humanity — values that must always prevail over hostility and division," the statement concluded.
Dvorkovich said on CNN that the federation “thought that Vladimir’s accusations were reckless and ungrounded.”
Before his death, Naroditsky had spoken on Twitch about the impact of Kramnik's accusations.
“The problem is, ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst of intentions,” he said, adding: “The issue is just the lingering effect of it.”
Kramnik also shared a threat someone made to him on X and wrote, "Already hundred such criminal acts, received, legal team informing the police, letter to the Criminal Court getting ready in few hours. Whaever happens next, all those falsely blaming me will be legally responsible."
He also wrote that he had revealed the "dark side of modern chess."
The family's statement called Naroditsky's death unexpected.
"The Naroditsky family shares the sad news of Daniel’s unexpected passing. Daniel was a talented chess player, educator, and beloved member of the chess community. We ask for privacy as the family grieves," the center wrote on X.
The statement, dated October 20, says, “It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Daniel Naroditsky. Daniel was a talented chess player, commentator, and educator, and a cherished member of the chess community, admired and respected by fans and players around the world. He was also a loving son and brother, and a loyal friend to many.”