🔗 Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Denies Misconduct in Passing of US Chess Star Daniel Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has spoken out after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones. 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. "Despite the tensions, 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 stated. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to directly link this tragic event 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 ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family. Investigation Details The demise of the grandmaster may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death." "Last Sunday, October 19 at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was found and later pronounced deceased by a medic." Community Reaction Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective 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 celebrated for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a prominent figure in chess's pandemic-era boom. 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 begin performing strongly, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast. Official Responses The World Chess Federation said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Sutovsky stated. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award. Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently". "Life and human worth are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to uphold the principles of fairness and respect." Loved Ones' Wish Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they hope he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us". In the US, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a support specialist. Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email [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.