🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Rejects Wrongdoing in Death of American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his family. Kramnik's Statement The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, offered sympathies but rejected any individual targeting. "Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, publicly called for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency." Kramnik said 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 mentioned his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family. Investigation Details The death of Naroditsky may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a police report issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation." "On Sunday October 19th at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was located and later declared dead by a medic." Community Reaction Anger over Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "terrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "completely unacceptable". Grandmaster's Impact A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a leading voice in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also among the globe's top competitors under shorter time controls, placing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York. Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast. Official Responses The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky commented. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award. Federation president Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration". "Life and human worth are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to maintain the standards of fairness and respect." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's family have expressed they hope he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura described him as "the best of us". Within the United States, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected]. Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.