🔗 Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Rejects Wrongdoing in Passing of American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky The former world champion has spoken out after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones. Former Champion's Response The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play without evidence, expressed condolences but denied any individual targeting. "Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, openly urged for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, right after 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 digital games had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family. Investigation Details The demise of the grandmaster may have been the result of a drug overdose 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 responded to an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was located and later declared dead by a medic." Community Reaction Anger over Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "horrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "completely unacceptable". Grandmaster's Impact A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was celebrated 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 rapid formats, placing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York. Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast. Organizational Statements The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award. Fide president 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". "Life and human worth are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to maintain the standards of fairness and respect." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's relatives have said they hope he is recalled not because of the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us". Within the United States, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach 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. Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.