🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Rejects Wrongdoing in Death of American Grandmaster Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the death 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 broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, offered sympathies 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 get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, right after 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 online play had been overlooked "even with substantial proof", and stated he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were drafting civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" that have led to threats against him and his family. Police Findings The demise of the grandmaster may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to a police report issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation." "On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was located and later declared dead by a medic." Community Reaction Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "totally inappropriate". Naroditsky's Legacy A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, 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 COVID-period surge. 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 consistently denied the allegations 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 assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his final livestream. Organizational Statements The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Sutovsky stated. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Fide president Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration". "Human life and dignity are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of fairness and respect." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's family have expressed they wish he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura described 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 support specialist. In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 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 located through befrienders.org.