🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Rejects Misconduct in Passing of US Chess Star Daniel Naroditsky The former world champion has spoken out after the death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his family. Kramnik's Statement The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, offered sympathies 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, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality." Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "even with substantial proof", and stated he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family. Police Findings The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being investigated as a possible suicide, based on a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes 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 area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was found and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional." Chess World Response Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while reigning champion Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "completely unacceptable". Naroditsky's Legacy A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was celebrated for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a leading voice 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 consistently denied the allegations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast. Official Responses The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Sutovsky stated. The organization plans to honor 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 federation's disciplinary body "to be reviewed independently". "Life and human worth are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to maintain the standards of equity and consideration." Family's Hope Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they hope he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest". Within the United States, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 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 found at befrienders.org.