🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Denies Misconduct in Death of American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while accusing critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones. Former Champion's Response The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, expressed condolences but rejected any individual targeting. "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, right after his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality." Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing legal actions 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, according to a police report issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies 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 area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was found and later pronounced deceased by a medic." Community Reaction Anger over Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "terrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "completely unacceptable". Grandmaster's Impact A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also among the globe's top competitors under rapid formats, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York. Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but admitted the impact 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. Official Responses The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Sutovsky stated. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "to be reviewed independently". "Life and human worth are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has long respected the accomplishments 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 confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest". In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a support specialist. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected]. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.