๐ Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Rejects Wrongdoing in Passing of US Chess Star Daniel Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has spoken out after the death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his family. Former Champion's Response The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play without evidence, offered sympathies but rejected any personal attacks. "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, publicly called for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name โฆ cross all boundaries of basic human morality." Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family. Investigation Details The death of Naroditsky may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being investigated as a possible suicide, based on a law enforcement document released Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says 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 area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was located and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional." Community Reaction Anger over Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while five-time world champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India Sarin, who faced 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. Referred to as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also one of the world's finest players under shorter time controls, finishing ninth at last year's blitz world championship 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 assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his final livestream. Organizational Statements The World Chess Federation said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky stated. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration". "Life and human worth are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to maintain the standards of equity and consideration." Family's Hope Naroditsky's family have expressed they hope he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us". 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 support specialist. In the UK and Ireland, The 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 found at befrienders.org.