🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Denies Misconduct in Death of US Chess Star Daniel Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has spoken out after the death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones. Kramnik's Statement The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, expressed condolences but rejected any individual targeting. "Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency." Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family. Police Findings The demise of the grandmaster may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a law enforcement document released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates 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 area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was located and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional." Chess World Response Anger over Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "horrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "completely unacceptable". Grandmaster's Impact A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, 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 pandemic-era boom. He was also among the globe's top competitors under rapid formats, placing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York. Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the allegations 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 final livestream. Official Responses The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration". "Life and human worth are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to maintain the standards of fairness and respect." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's relatives have said they hope he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest". Within the United States, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline 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]. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.