🔗 Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Denies Misconduct in Death of US Chess Star Naroditsky The former world champion has broken his silence 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 campaign of harassment" against him and his family. Kramnik's Statement The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, expressed condolences but denied any personal attacks. "Regardless of our differences, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, openly urged for him to receive help," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency." Kramnik said his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family. Police Findings The demise of the grandmaster may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to a police report issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation." "On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was found and later declared dead by a medic." Chess World Response Anger over Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "completely unacceptable". Grandmaster's Impact A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was celebrated 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, placing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York. Naroditsky repeatedly refuted 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 International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Sutovsky commented. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award. Federation 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 shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to uphold the principles of equity and consideration." Family's Hope Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they hope he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura described him as "among the finest". Within the United States, individuals may contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist. 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 Australia is 13 11 14. Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.