🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Rejects Misconduct in Passing of American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky The former world champion has broken his silence after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones. Kramnik's Statement The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play without evidence, expressed condolences but denied any individual targeting. "Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of fundamental human decency." Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were drafting civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family. Police Findings The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a law enforcement document released Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death." "On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was found and later declared dead by a medical professional." Community Reaction Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while five-time world champion Carlsen described it as "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 alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "totally inappropriate". Naroditsky's Legacy A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated for his wit, insight and modesty, 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 allegations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast. Organizational Statements The World Chess Federation said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Fide president Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration". "Human life and dignity are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to maintain the standards 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 provided others every day". Carlsen called 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 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor. Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 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 located through befrienders.org.