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Journalism of Courage
Former World Champion and Russian Grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik has raised suspicion over the shocking death of American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky. Shortly after the tragic news was announced, Kramnik, who had previously accused Naroditsky of cheating in online chess, posted a series of explosive tweets questioning the circumstances of Naroditsky’s sudden passing.
Kramnik hinted at potential substance abuse and deteriorating mental health. He first made a cryptic post on his X account that read, “Don’t Do Drugs.” He then referenced a “strange recent stream” by Naroditsky, alleging the American had been hastily removing his recent content from Twitch.
“Weird, noticed yesterday morning some people talking about strange recent stream of Naroditsky, but checking again in few hours,many things erased (ALL videis from his twitch, a thread about it, recognizable working style :) ) Anyone,what happened, that forced them act in a rush?,” Kramnik posted on X.
“All in all, typical nowadays world of chess, the only thing everyone cares about is “looking great” and pretending there are no issues. Even if its about long term major problems. Stop this doublefaced hypocries for once, and try helping to solve them. Image is NOT everything,” he added.
Kramnik continued, ” Normally they dont “clean” in such a rush (although erasing materials from internet is “their” trademark, not on web means never happened),must be something quite interesting I think.”
He also mentioned how Naroditsky was “kicked out” of his commentator roles for Chess.com and the Freestyle Chess tournament. Based on the American’s recent streams, Kramnik again hinted at potential substance abuse.
“Seemingly, conflicts with @chesscom, @freestylechess1, both kicking him out from commentator role, had a big impact lately on @GmNaroditsky. Got the stream episodes. Not a doctor but looks like something “very else” than sleeping pills. Hope,if any, real friends of him will care,” he wrote.
Kramnik called the shocking demise an awful tragedy and called for a “proper investigation” for the same. He shared a screenshot on X, raising concerns after Naroditsky’s sudden death.
“What exactly happened? Because I received this two days ago from a friend of mine chess fan, and at least did what I could to warn people to do something urgently in my posts. To those who prefer blaming and shaming instead of helping. Awfull tradegy, hope properly investigated,” his post read.
Naroditsky passed away at the age of 29. The news of his demise was announced from the X account of the Charlotte Chess Center on Monday, which posted: “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.”
During the World Rapid and Blitz Championship in October 2024, Naroditsky called Kramnik “worse than dirt” after the cheating accusation by the latter and opened up on how the allegations and social media chatter about him affected him every time he plays online chess.
Naroditsky became a Grandmaster at the age of 18 in 2013 and has consistently ranked in the top 200 in the world and top 15 in the US in classical chess. He was also in the top 75 in Rapid and top 25 in Blitz. Last year, he crossed 2700 FIDE Blitz for the first time.
