🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Denies Misconduct in Death of American Grandmaster Naroditsky The former world champion has spoken out after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly 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 without evidence, expressed condolences but denied any personal attacks. "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, publicly called for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality." Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" that have led to threats against him and his family. Investigation Details The demise of the grandmaster may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being investigated as a possible suicide, based on a police report released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department 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 responded to an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was located and later declared dead by a medical professional." Chess World Response Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "horrible". GM from India Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit 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 streaming platforms. Known as Danya, he was celebrated 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, finishing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York. Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked in his final livestream. Organizational Statements The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky commented. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award. Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration". "Life and human worth are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to uphold the principles of equity and consideration." Family's Hope Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us". Within the United States, individuals may contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected]. In Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14. Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.