🔗 Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Denies Wrongdoing in Passing of American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones. Kramnik's Statement The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, offered sympathies but denied 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, openly urged 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 said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "even with substantial proof", and stated he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family. Investigation Details The death of Naroditsky may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a police report released Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation." "Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was located and later pronounced deceased by a medic." Community Reaction Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "horrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who played 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". Grandmaster's Impact A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under rapid formats, finishing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York. Naroditsky consistently denied 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 assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his final livestream. Organizational Statements The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Federation president Dvorkovich later verified 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 "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 uphold the principles of fairness and respect." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's relatives have said they hope he is recalled not because of the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura referred to 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 text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor. Throughout Britain and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14. Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.