🔗 Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Denies Wrongdoing in Passing of US Chess Star Naroditsky The former world champion has broken his silence after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones. Kramnik's Statement The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, offered sympathies but rejected any individual targeting. "Regardless of our differences, 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 ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect 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 overlooked "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting legal actions 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 police report 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." "On Sunday October 19th 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 unresponsive subject was located and later declared dead by a medical professional." Community Reaction Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while reigning champion Carlsen labeled it "horrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "completely unacceptable". Naroditsky's Legacy A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a leading voice 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 blitz world championship in New York. Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the accusations 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 remarked in his final livestream. Organizational Statements The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award. Fide president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration". "Human life and dignity are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to uphold the principles of equity and consideration." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's relatives 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 described him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura referred to 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 reach a crisis counselor. In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.