🔗 Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Rejects Wrongdoing in Passing of American Grandmaster Naroditsky The former world champion has spoken out after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones. Kramnik's Statement The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, offered sympathies but rejected any individual targeting. "Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual 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 stated. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality." Kramnik said his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and stated he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" 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 police report 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 around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was found and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional." Community Reaction Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India 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 "totally inappropriate". Naroditsky's Legacy A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a leading voice 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 speed chess title event in New York. Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, 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 CEO Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be submitted to the federation's disciplinary body "to be reviewed independently". "Human life and dignity are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family 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 relatives have said they hope he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest". In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.