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The former world champion has spoken out after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones.

Kramnik's Statement

The fifty-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 obvious health issues a day before his death, openly urged for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality."

Kramnik said 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 "appropriate officials". 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, based on a police report issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies 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 vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was located and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."

Community Reaction

Anger over Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while reigning champion Carlsen labeled it "horrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "totally inappropriate".

Naroditsky's Legacy

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 leading voice 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 consistently denied the allegations but admitted the impact they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast.

Organizational Statements

The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Sutovsky commented. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Fide president 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".

"Human life and dignity are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of fairness and respect."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's family have expressed they hope he is recalled not because of the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura described him as "among the finest".

• Within the United States, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a support specialist.
• In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• In Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.