🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Rejects Wrongdoing in Death of US Chess Star Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for launching 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 widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, expressed condolences but denied any individual targeting. "Regardless of our differences, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, openly urged for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident 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 "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family. Police Findings The death of Naroditsky may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death." "On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was found and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional." Chess World Response Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "horrible". GM from India Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "totally inappropriate". Naroditsky's Legacy A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on streaming platforms. Known 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 shorter time controls, finishing 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 psychological well-being. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast. Organizational Statements The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Sutovsky commented. 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 submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration". "Life and human worth are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of fairness and respect." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they wish he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "the best of us". In the US, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. Throughout Britain and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14. Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.