🔗 Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Denies Wrongdoing in Death of US Chess Star 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 condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones. Former Champion's Response The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, expressed condolences but denied any individual targeting. "Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, publicly called for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality." Kramnik asserted 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 "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "unfounded claims" 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, according to a police report released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation." "On Sunday October 19th at around 7:11 PM, officers answered an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was located and later declared dead by a medic." Chess World Response Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while reigning champion Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India 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 ineffective and "completely unacceptable". Naroditsky's Legacy A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans 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 among the globe's top competitors under rapid formats, placing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York. Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked in his final livestream. Organizational Statements The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award. Fide president Dvorkovich later confirmed 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". "Human life and dignity are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of equity and consideration." Family's Hope Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they hope he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura described him as "among the finest". Within the United States, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected]. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.