🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Rejects Wrongdoing in Passing of American Grandmaster Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his family. Former Champion's Response The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, offered sympathies but denied any individual targeting. "Regardless of our differences, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, publicly called for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality." Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "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 led to threats 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, based on a police report released Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation." "On Sunday October 19th at around 7:11 PM, officers answered an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was found and later declared dead by a medic." Community Reaction Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while reigning champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was fruitless 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. 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 one of the world's finest players 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. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his final livestream. Official Responses The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky stated. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently". "Human life and dignity are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness and respect." Family's Hope Naroditsky's relatives have said they wish he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation 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, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. Throughout Britain and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected]. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.