🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Rejects Misconduct in Passing of US Chess Star Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his family. Former Champion's Response The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play without evidence, expressed condolences but rejected any personal attacks. "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 stated. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of fundamental human decency." Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and stated he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family. Police Findings The death of Naroditsky may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a police report released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation." "Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 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 Anger over Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "completely unacceptable". 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 celebrated 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 allegations but admitted the impact 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. Official Responses The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Sutovsky commented. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award. Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently". "Life and human worth are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to uphold the principles of equity and consideration." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's family have said they hope he is recalled not because of the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us". 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 support specialist. Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected]. Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.