🔗 Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Rejects Misconduct in Passing of US Chess Star Naroditsky The former world champion has spoken out after the death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones. Former Champion's Response The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, expressed condolences but rejected 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, publicly called for him to receive help," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality." Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family. Police Findings The demise of the grandmaster may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a law enforcement document 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 responded to an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was found and later pronounced deceased by a medic." Community Reaction Anger over Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "horrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "totally inappropriate". Grandmaster's Impact A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was praised 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, finishing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York. Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast. Official Responses The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Fide president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently". "Human life and dignity are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to uphold the principles 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 brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura described him as "among the finest". Within the United States, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a support specialist. Throughout Britain and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected]. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14. Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.