🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Rejects Wrongdoing in Passing of US Chess Star Daniel Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has spoken out after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his family. Kramnik's Statement The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, offered sympathies but denied any individual targeting. "Despite the tensions, 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 declared. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality." Kramnik said his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and stated he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were preparing 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 consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a law enforcement document released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department 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 responded to an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was located and later pronounced deceased by a medic." Community Reaction Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "completely unacceptable". Grandmaster's Impact A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure 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 speed chess title event in New York. Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his final livestream. Official Responses The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award. Fide president Arkady 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 "to be reviewed independently". "Human life and dignity are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility 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 hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us". In the US, individuals may contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. In the UK and Ireland, The 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. Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.