🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Denies Misconduct in Passing of US Chess Star Daniel Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones. Kramnik's Statement The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, expressed condolences but rejected any individual targeting. "Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality." Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and stated he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were drafting civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" 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 released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation." "On Sunday October 19th 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 located and later declared dead by a medical professional." Community Reaction Anger over Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen described it as "terrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "totally inappropriate". Naroditsky's Legacy A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also among the globe's top competitors under rapid formats, placing ninth at last year's speed chess title event 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 start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast. Organizational Statements The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Sutovsky stated. The organization 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 federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration". "Human life and dignity are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to uphold the principles of fairness and respect." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's family have said they wish 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 "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "the best of us". In the US, 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. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 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 located through befrienders.org.