🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Rejects Wrongdoing in Passing of US Chess Star Daniel Naroditsky The former world champion has spoken out after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while accusing critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones. Former Champion's Response The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, expressed condolences but rejected any personal attacks. "Regardless of our differences, I was the only person 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 declared. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency." Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family. Investigation Details The demise of the grandmaster may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a police report released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department 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 vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was located and later declared dead by a medic." Community Reaction Anger over Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters 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. Known as Danya, he was celebrated for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also among the globe's top competitors under shorter time controls, finishing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York. Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast. Official Responses The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award. Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, before and after his death, 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 always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of equity and consideration." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's family have said they hope he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura described him as "the best of us". In the US, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a support specialist. Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected]. Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14. Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.