🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Denies Wrongdoing in Passing of American Grandmaster Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones. Kramnik's Statement The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, offered sympathies but rejected any individual targeting. "Regardless of our differences, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, publicly called for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency." Kramnik asserted 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 "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" 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, according to a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation." "On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was found and later pronounced deceased by a medic." Community Reaction Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen described it as "terrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "totally inappropriate". Grandmaster's Impact A graduate of Stanford 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 prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under rapid formats, placing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York. Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, 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 Sutovsky stated. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award. Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed 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". "Life and human worth are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness and respect." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's family have expressed they wish he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us". In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor. In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected]. Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.