🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Denies Wrongdoing in Death 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 condemning critics for launching what he termed an "deeply 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 accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, expressed condolences but rejected any individual targeting. "Despite the tensions, I was the only person 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 declared. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to directly link 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 "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "unfounded claims" 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 examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a police report 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 responded to an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was located and later pronounced deceased by a medic." Community Reaction Anger over Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "terrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "totally inappropriate". Grandmaster's Impact A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Known as Danya, he was praised for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. 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 admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast. Official Responses The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award. Fide president Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's public statements 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 core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty 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". Magnus Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us". Within the United States, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist. In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14. Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.