🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Denies Wrongdoing in Passing of American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful campaign of harassment" against him and his family. Former Champion's Response The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play without evidence, expressed condolences but denied any personal attacks. "Regardless of our differences, 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 get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of fundamental human decency." Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and stated he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were drafting civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family. Police Findings The demise of the grandmaster 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 statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation." "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 unconscious individual was located and later declared dead by a medical professional." Community Reaction Anger over Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "terrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "completely unacceptable". Grandmaster's Impact A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Known as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure 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 blitz world championship in New York. Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast. Official Responses The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky commented. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently". "Human life and dignity are fundamental values 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 responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness and respect." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's family have said they hope he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura described him as "the best of us". In the US, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected]. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.