🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Denies 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 condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his family. Kramnik's Statement The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, offered sympathies but rejected any personal attacks. "Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, publicly called for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of fundamental human decency." Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would provide material 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. Investigation Details The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse 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." "On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to 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 medic." Chess World Response Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "horrible". GM from India Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers 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. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated 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 rapid formats, placing ninth at last year's speed chess title event 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 start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast. Official Responses The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky commented. The organization intends to commemorate 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 submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration". "Life and human worth 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 relatives have expressed they wish he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us". Within the United States, individuals may contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor. In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 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.