🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Rejects Wrongdoing in Passing of American Grandmaster Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence 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 campaign of harassment" against him and his family. Former Champion's Response The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, expressed condolences but rejected any personal attacks. "Regardless of our differences, I was the only person in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality." Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and stated he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have led to threats against him and his family. Police Findings The death of Naroditsky may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to a law enforcement document released 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 answered an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was located and later declared dead by a medical professional." Chess World Response Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "terrible". 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". Naroditsky's Legacy A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Known as Danya, he was celebrated for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a prominent figure in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also one of the world's finest players under shorter time controls, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York. Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but admitted the impact they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said 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 commented. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award. Federation president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration". "Human life and dignity are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has always valued the accomplishments 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 hope he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura described him as "among the finest". In the US, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected]. Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.