🔗 Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Rejects Misconduct in Death of American Grandmaster Naroditsky The former world champion has broken his silence after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his family. Kramnik's Statement The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, offered sympathies but rejected any individual targeting. "Regardless of our differences, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, openly urged for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality." 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 "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family. Police Findings The demise of the grandmaster 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 says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death." "Last Sunday, October 19 at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was found and later declared dead by a medical professional." Chess World Response Anger over Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while reigning champion Carlsen labeled it "terrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "completely unacceptable". Grandmaster's Impact A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players 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 mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his final livestream. Official Responses The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award. Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified 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". "Life and human worth are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of equity and consideration." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's family have said they hope he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest". In the US, individuals may contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor. 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 is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.