🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Denies Wrongdoing in Passing of US Chess Star Naroditsky The former world champion has broken his silence after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his family. Former Champion's Response The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, offered sympathies but rejected any individual targeting. "Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, publicly called for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of fundamental human decency." Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family. Police Findings The demise of the grandmaster may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes 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 found and later declared dead by a medical professional." Chess World Response Anger over Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "terrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "totally inappropriate". Naroditsky's Legacy A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was praised for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a prominent figure 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 allegations but admitted the impact they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked in his final livestream. Organizational Statements The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award. Federation president Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "to be reviewed independently". "Human life and dignity are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of fairness and respect." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest". In the US, you can call or text 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, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected]. Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.