🔗 Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Rejects Misconduct in Passing of US Chess Star Naroditsky The former world champion has spoken out after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful campaign of harassment" against him and his family. Kramnik's Statement The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, expressed condolences but rejected any personal attacks. "Despite the tensions, I was the only person 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 declared. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency." Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "even with substantial proof", and stated he would provide material to "appropriate officials". 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 result of a drug overdose 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 discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation." "On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was located and later declared dead by a medic." Chess World Response Anger over Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "completely unacceptable". Grandmaster's Impact A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers 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, placing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York. Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations but admitted the impact they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, 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 "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Sutovsky commented. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Federation president Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be submitted to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration". "Life and human worth are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to maintain the standards of fairness and respect." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's family have said they hope he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us". Within the United States, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected]. In Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14. Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.