🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Rejects Wrongdoing in Death of US Chess Star Daniel Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones. Former Champion's Response The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, expressed condolences but denied any personal attacks. "Regardless of our differences, 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 get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality." Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family. Police Findings The demise of the grandmaster may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to a police report issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation." "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 found and later declared dead by a medical professional." Community Reaction Anger over Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while reigning champion Carlsen labeled it "horrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "totally inappropriate". Naroditsky's Legacy A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Known as Danya, he was celebrated for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a prominent figure in chess's pandemic-era boom. 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 admitted the impact they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast. Organizational Statements The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Sutovsky commented. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently". "Life and human worth are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness and respect." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's family have expressed they wish he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest". In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text 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 crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.