🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Denies Misconduct in Death of American Grandmaster Naroditsky The former world champion has broken his silence after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones. Former Champion's Response The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play without evidence, offered sympathies but rejected any personal attacks. "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 subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality." Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were preparing 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 investigated as a possible suicide, based on a police report issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation." "Last Sunday, October 19 at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was found and later pronounced deceased by a medic." Chess World Response Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has dominated 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 faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "totally inappropriate". Grandmaster's Impact A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was celebrated for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a leading voice in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also one of the world's finest players under rapid formats, placing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York. Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast. Organizational Statements The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Sutovsky commented. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award. Federation president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently". "Life and human worth are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to uphold the principles of fairness and respect." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they hope he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest". In the US, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 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.