🔗 Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Rejects Wrongdoing in Death of US Chess Star Naroditsky The former world champion has broken his silence after the death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while accusing critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones. Kramnik's Statement The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, offered sympathies but rejected any personal attacks. "Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, publicly called for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of fundamental human decency." Kramnik said his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family. Investigation Details The demise of the grandmaster may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being investigated as a possible suicide, based on a police report issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death." "On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was located and later declared dead by a medical professional." Chess World Response Anger over Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "totally inappropriate". Grandmaster's Impact A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was praised for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a prominent figure 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 consistently denied the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast. Organizational Statements The World Chess Federation 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 organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Fide president Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration". "Life and human worth are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of equity and consideration." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura described him as "among the finest". In the US, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist. Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected]. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14. Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.