🔗 Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Denies Misconduct in Passing of American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky The former world champion has spoken out after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for mounting 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 lacking proof, offered sympathies but rejected any individual targeting. "Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit 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 claimed he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family. Police Findings The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to a law enforcement document released Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation." "Last Sunday, October 19 at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was found and later declared dead by a medic." Chess World Response Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "horrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "completely unacceptable". Grandmaster's Impact 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 among the globe's top competitors under rapid formats, 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 suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked in his final livestream. Official Responses The World Chess Federation said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award. Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration". "Human life and dignity are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of fairness and respect." Family's Hope Naroditsky's relatives have said they wish he is recalled not because of the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura described 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 message HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor. Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected]. In Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14. Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.