🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Denies Misconduct in Death of American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event 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 fifty-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 apparent health concerns a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality." Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family. Investigation Details The death of Naroditsky may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being investigated as a possible suicide, based on a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death." "Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was located and later declared dead by a medical professional." Chess World Response Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "completely unacceptable". Naroditsky's Legacy A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was celebrated for his humor, clarity and humility, 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 speed chess title event 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 suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast. Official Responses The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Sutovsky stated. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award. Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed 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 shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness and respect." Loved Ones' Wish 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". Magnus Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us". Within the United States, 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 email [email protected] or [email protected]. Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.