🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Denies Wrongdoing in Passing of US Chess Star 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 tragedy while accusing critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his family. Former Champion's Response The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play without evidence, expressed condolences but rejected any personal attacks. "Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual 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 declared. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency." Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family. Police Findings The demise of the grandmaster may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a police report released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death." "On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was located and later declared dead by a medic." Community Reaction Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "horrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "totally inappropriate". Naroditsky's Legacy A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also among the globe's top competitors under shorter time controls, finishing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York. Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the accusations but acknowledged the toll 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 said in his last online broadcast. Official Responses The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky commented. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award. Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "to be reviewed independently". "Human life and dignity are fundamental values 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." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's family have said they hope he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us". Within the United States, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 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 crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.