🔗 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 American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while accusing critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones. Kramnik's Statement The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, expressed condolences but rejected any personal attacks. "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 stated. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality." Kramnik said his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family. Investigation Details The death of Naroditsky may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being investigated as a possible suicide, based on a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death." "Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers answered an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was found and later declared dead by a medic." Community Reaction Anger over Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "totally inappropriate". Naroditsky's Legacy A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Known as Danya, he was celebrated for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a leading voice in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under rapid formats, finishing 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 psychological well-being. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his final livestream. Official Responses The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "to be reviewed independently". "Life and human worth are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to maintain the standards of equity and consideration." Family's Hope Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura described him as "the best of us". 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 support specialist. Throughout Britain and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.