🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Denies Misconduct in Death of US Chess Star Naroditsky The former world champion has spoken out after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones. Kramnik's Statement The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, offered sympathies but rejected any individual targeting. "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, publicly called for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality." Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" 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 examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a law enforcement document released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates 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 answered an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was located and later declared dead by a medical professional." Chess World Response Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "completely unacceptable". Grandmaster's Impact A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Known as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also among the globe's top competitors 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 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. Organizational Statements The World Chess Federation said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award. Federation president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration". "Human life and dignity are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness and respect." Family's Hope Naroditsky's family have expressed they wish he is recalled not because of the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura described him as "among the finest". In the US, individuals may contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected]. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.