'Rotten To The Core': Vladmir Kramnik Questions Circumstances Surrounding Daniel Naroditsky's Unexpected Passing

Last Updated:October 21, 2025, 11:08 IST

Kramnik shared a series of posts that questioned the circumstances surrounding the untimely passing of the 29-year-old hinting at possible substance abuse and mental health issues.

Daniel Naroditsky, Vladmir Kramnik.

Russian GM and former World Champion Vladmir Kramnik has raised questions following the untimely passing of  American Chess GM Daniel Naroditsky, from he Bay Area on Monday.

The Stanford Graduate’s family confirmed the unexpected demise of the 29-year-old with a statement issued by the Charlotte Chess Club.

Kramnik, who shared an image that read, ‘Don’t do drugs’ on social media platform X a couple of days ago, followed it up with a series of posts that hinted at a possible substance abuse and mental health issues.

“Weird,noticed yesterday morning some people talking about strange recent stream of Naroditsky, but checking again in few hours,many things erased ( ALL videos from his twitch, a thread about it, recognizable working style 🙂 ) Anyone,what happened, that forced them act in a rush?" his post from the 19th of October read.

“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.

“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," the Russian continued.

“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," the former World Champion said the following day.

“Too high price paid, but if I was the only person shouting about obvious long term problems of Danya becoming alarming, requiring urgent measures from people around, while “friends" only cared about hiding it and erase evidence, its rotten to the core," he said following the unfortunate incident.

“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 investigate," he clarified.

Naroditsky, who achieved the Grandmaster norm at 18 and won the US National Blitz Championship, gained early recognition in the chess community by securing the Under 12 title at the 2007 World Youth Chess Championship. In 2010, he published a book titled “Mastering Positional Chess" at just 14 years old.

In 2013, Naroditsky clinched the U.S. Junior Championship and was awarded the grandmaster title later that year. The following year, he received the Samford Chess Fellowship, one of the most prestigious honors for young American chess players. Over the next decade, Naroditsky continued to compete in the U.S. Championships and consistently ranked among the top 200 players worldwide.

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