🔗 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 tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while accusing critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones. Former Champion's Response The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, expressed condolences but rejected any individual targeting. "Despite the tensions, 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 declared. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of fundamental human decency." Kramnik said his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have led to threats 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 indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation." "Last Sunday, October 19 at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was found and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional." Chess World Response Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while reigning champion Carlsen described it as "terrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "completely unacceptable". Naroditsky's Legacy A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a leading voice 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 allegations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his final livestream. Organizational Statements The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Sutovsky stated. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Fide president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration". "Human life and dignity are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness and respect." Family's Hope Naroditsky's family have expressed they hope he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "the best of us". Within the United States, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist. Throughout Britain and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected]. Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.