🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Denies Wrongdoing in Death of US Chess Star Naroditsky The former world champion has spoken out after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones. Kramnik's Statement The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, offered sympathies but denied any personal attacks. "Regardless of our differences, 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 explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality." Kramnik asserted 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 noted his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family. Investigation Details The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to a police report released Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes 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 document states. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was located and later pronounced deceased by a medic." Community Reaction Anger over Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless 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 humor, clarity and humility, becoming a leading voice in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also one of the world's finest players under rapid formats, 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 mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast. Official Responses The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Fide president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be submitted to the federation's disciplinary body "to be reviewed independently". "Life and human worth are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness and respect." Family's Hope Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they wish he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "among the finest". In the US, 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, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [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.