🔗 Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Denies Wrongdoing in Passing of US Chess Star Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones. Kramnik's Statement The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, offered sympathies but rejected any individual targeting. "Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, publicly called for him to receive help," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality." Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family. Investigation Details The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a law enforcement document released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death." "On Sunday October 19th at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was found and later pronounced deceased by a medic." Community Reaction Anger over Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "totally inappropriate". Grandmaster's Impact A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Known as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a leading voice in chess's COVID-period surge. 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 consistently denied the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast. Organizational Statements The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award. Fide president Dvorkovich later verified 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". "Human life and dignity are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to maintain the standards of fairness and respect." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's family have expressed they hope he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", 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 text HOME to 741741 to connect with a support specialist. Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected]. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14. Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.