🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Rejects Misconduct in Passing of US Chess Star Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has spoken out after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones. Kramnik's Statement The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, expressed condolences but denied any individual targeting. "Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, openly urged 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 asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" that have led to threats against him and his family. Police Findings The demise of the grandmaster may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to a police report issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says 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 unresponsive subject was found and later declared dead by a medical professional." Chess World Response Anger over Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while five-time world champion Carlsen described it as "terrible". GM from India Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "completely unacceptable". Naroditsky's Legacy A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on streaming platforms. Known as Danya, he was praised 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 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 said in his last online broadcast. Official Responses The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky stated. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently". "Human life and dignity are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to maintain the standards of equity and consideration." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's family have expressed they wish he is recalled not because of the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest". In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor. In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected]. Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14. Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.