🔗 Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Denies Wrongdoing in Passing of US Chess Star Naroditsky The former world champion has spoken out after the death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones. Kramnik's Statement The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, expressed condolences but denied any individual targeting. "Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, openly urged for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality." Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family. Police Findings The demise of the grandmaster may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a law enforcement document released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death." "On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was found and later declared dead by a medic." Community Reaction Anger over Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "horrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "completely unacceptable". Grandmaster's Impact A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Known as Danya, he was praised for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a leading voice in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also among the globe's top competitors under rapid formats, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York. Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his final livestream. Organizational Statements The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky commented. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award. Federation president 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". "Life and human worth are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to maintain the standards of equity and consideration." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they wish he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru 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. Throughout Britain and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected]. In Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.