🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Denies Wrongdoing in Death of US Chess Star Daniel Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his family. Kramnik's Statement The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, expressed condolences but rejected any personal attacks. "Regardless of our differences, I was the sole individual 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 ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of fundamental human decency." Kramnik said 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 "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were drafting civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family. Police Findings The demise of the grandmaster may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, according to 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 "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation." "On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "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. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while five-time world champion 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 "totally inappropriate". Grandmaster's Impact A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was praised 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, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event 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 last online broadcast. Official Responses The World Chess Federation said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Sutovsky commented. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Fide president Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration". "Life and human worth are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to maintain the standards of equity and consideration." Family's Hope Naroditsky's relatives have said they hope he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration 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 Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist. 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 located through befrienders.org.