🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Rejects Misconduct in Passing of American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik 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 unlawful campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones. Former Champion's Response The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play without evidence, offered sympathies but denied any personal attacks. "Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, publicly called for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency." Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "unfounded claims" 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, based on a law enforcement document released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates 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 answered an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was found and later pronounced deceased by a medic." Community Reaction Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "horrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "totally inappropriate". Naroditsky's Legacy A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was praised for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a leading voice 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 speed chess title event in New York. Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the accusations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast. Official Responses The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Sutovsky stated. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award. Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration". "Life and human worth are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to uphold the principles of equity and consideration." Family's Hope Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they hope he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest". Within the United States, 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 crisis counselor. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.