🔗 Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Denies Misconduct in Passing of American Grandmaster Naroditsky The former world champion has broken his silence after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful campaign of harassment" against him and his family. Former Champion's Response The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play without evidence, offered sympathies but rejected any individual targeting. "Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, observing through footage 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 directly link this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality." Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "false accusations" 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 discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death." "On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was located and later pronounced deceased by a medic." Chess World Response Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while five-time world champion Carlsen described it as "terrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "completely unacceptable". Grandmaster's Impact A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under rapid formats, finishing ninth at last year's blitz world championship 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. Official Responses The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award. Federation president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration". "Human life and dignity are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has long respected the achievements 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 recalled not because of the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us". In the US, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a support specialist. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 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.