🔗 Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Rejects Misconduct in Passing of American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky The former world champion has spoken out after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while accusing critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones. Kramnik's Statement The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, expressed condolences but rejected any individual targeting. "Regardless of our differences, 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 receive help," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of fundamental human decency." Kramnik said his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family. Investigation Details The demise of the grandmaster 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 statement from Charlotte authorities indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death." "Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers answered an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was found and later pronounced deceased by a medic." Community Reaction Anger over Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "horrible". GM from India Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "completely unacceptable". Grandmaster's Impact A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, 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 COVID-period surge. He was also among the globe's top competitors under rapid formats, placing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York. Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast. Organizational Statements The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky commented. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Fide president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration". "Human life and dignity are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to maintain the standards of fairness and respect." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's family have said they hope he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration 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 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text 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 crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.