🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Rejects Misconduct in Passing of US Chess Star Daniel Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his family. Kramnik's Statement The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, offered sympathies but rejected any personal attacks. "Regardless of our differences, I was the only person 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 stated. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries 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 stated he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family. Investigation Details The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation." "Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers answered an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was located and later declared dead by a medic." Chess World Response Anger over Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "totally inappropriate". Naroditsky's Legacy A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a leading voice in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also one of the world's finest players under rapid formats, placing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York. Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the allegations but admitted the impact 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 said in his final livestream. Official Responses The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky commented. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award. Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be submitted to the federation's disciplinary body "to be reviewed independently". "Life and human worth are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness and respect." Family's Hope Naroditsky's family have expressed they hope he is recalled not because of 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, individuals may contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a support specialist. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [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.