🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Denies Wrongdoing in Death of US Chess Star Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has spoken out after the death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones. Kramnik's Statement The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, expressed condolences but denied any individual targeting. "Regardless of our differences, I was the only person in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, publicly called for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality." Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated 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. Investigation Details The demise of the grandmaster may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death." "On Sunday October 19th at around 7:11 PM, officers answered an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was located and later pronounced deceased by a medic." Chess World Response Anger over Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "terrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "totally inappropriate". Naroditsky's Legacy A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was praised for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a leading voice in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under shorter time controls, finishing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York. Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the accusations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast. Organizational Statements The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award. 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 federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration". "Human life and dignity are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of fairness and respect." Family's Hope Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they wish he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura described him as "among the finest". 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, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [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.