🔗 Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Rejects Wrongdoing in Passing of US Chess Star Daniel Naroditsky The former world champion has broken his silence after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones. Kramnik's Statement The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, expressed condolences but denied any personal attacks. "Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, publicly called 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 overlooked "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family. Investigation Details The death of Naroditsky 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 released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies 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 vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was located and later declared dead by a medical professional." Chess World Response Anger over Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while reigning champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", 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 leading voice in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also one of the world's finest players under shorter time controls, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York. Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations but acknowledged the toll 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) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Sutovsky commented. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "to be reviewed independently". "Life and human worth are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community 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 remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "among the finest". In the US, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a support specialist. Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected]. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14. Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.