🔗 Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Rejects Wrongdoing in Death of US Chess Star Naroditsky The former world champion has spoken out 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 illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his family. Kramnik's Statement The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, offered sympathies but rejected any individual targeting. "Regardless of our differences, 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 get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency." Kramnik said his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and stated he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He noted 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 police report released Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation." "On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to 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 medic." Chess World Response Anger over Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while reigning champion Carlsen labeled it "horrible". GM from India Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "totally inappropriate". Naroditsky's Legacy A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. 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 rapid formats, 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. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast. Organizational Statements The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Federation 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". "Life and human worth are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of equity and consideration." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's relatives have said they wish he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest". In the US, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor. Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.