Vladimir Kramnik calls for investigation into Daniel Naroditsky's death at 29, raises allegations of substance abuse

Russian chess grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik has asked for an official investigation into Naroditsky’s death. The chess community is mourning the sudden death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, who passed away on October 19, 2025, at the age of 29. His death was confirmed by the Charlotte Chess Center, which said that his family requested privacy. The cause of death has not been shared publicly.

Kramnik made a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), saying the situation was “an awful tragedy” and raising questions about possible causes. His comments have created strong reactions within the chess world.

At this stage, no official report or autopsy results have been released. Authorities have not confirmed any sign of foul play. However, Kramnik’s statements have drawn attention and sparked debate among fans and fellow players.

Vladimir Kramnik’s statements and claims

After the news of Naroditsky’s passing, Kramnik posted several messages on X, calling for transparency and an official investigation. He claimed that Naroditsky appeared “distressed or unwell” during his final livestream. According to Kramnik, a fan contacted him earlier, expressing concern that the American grandmaster appeared unwell.

Vladimir Kramnik also hinted at the possible use of substances before Naroditsky’s death. In one of his posts, he suggested that Naroditsky “might have been using something other than sleeping pills.” Kramnik said he had noticed signs of long-term issues in Naroditsky’s behavior and accused people around him of ignoring the problem.

These remarks quickly spread online. Some chess players and fans accused Kramnik of being disrespectful for making such claims so soon after the death, while others felt he was justified in seeking clarity. His comments reignited attention to past conflicts between the two players.

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Past conflict and community response

As reported by Marca on October 20, 2025, Kramnik and Naroditsky had a tense relationship following a 2024 online cheating dispute. During that time, Kramnik accused Naroditsky of dishonesty in online play. Naroditsky denied the allegations and criticized Kramnik’s behavior, calling it unfair and harmful.

After Naroditsky’s death, this past conflict led many to see Kramnik’s comments as an extension of their earlier dispute. Some chess fans said that Kramnik’s public remarks were inappropriate and could hurt Naroditsky’s family. Others defended Kramnik, saying that raising questions was necessary if something seemed wrong.

Meanwhile, several viewers noted that Naroditsky appeared confused and restless during his final livestream, which fueled further online speculation. However, no medical or police confirmation has been provided to support Kramnik’s claims or any theory of foul play.

Read More: Grandmaster and chess influencer Daniel Naroditsky dies at 29

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