🔗 Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Denies Wrongdoing in Death of American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky The former world champion has broken his silence after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful campaign of harassment" against him and his family. Kramnik's Statement The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, offered sympathies but rejected any individual targeting. "Regardless of our differences, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, publicly called for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency." Kramnik said his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family. Police Findings The demise of the grandmaster 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 says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation." "Last Sunday, October 19 at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was found and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional." Chess World Response Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "completely unacceptable". Naroditsky's Legacy A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was praised for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a leading voice in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also among the globe's top competitors under shorter time controls, placing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York. Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the allegations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his final livestream. Organizational Statements The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award. Fide president Dvorkovich later confirmed 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". "Human life and dignity are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of equity and consideration." Family's Hope Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they hope he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura described him as "the best of us". In the US, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected]. Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.