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

Kramnik's Statement

The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, offered sympathies but denied any individual targeting.

"Regardless of our differences, I was the only person in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, publicly called for him to receive help," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."

Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would provide material 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.

Investigation Details

The death of Naroditsky may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being investigated as a possible suicide, based on a police report released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was found dead 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 assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was found and later pronounced deceased by a medic."

Chess World Response

Anger over Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "horrible". GM from India Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "completely unacceptable".

Grandmaster's Impact

A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under rapid formats, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his final livestream.

Official Responses

The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky commented. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Federation president Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration".

"Life and human worth are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of equity and consideration."

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". Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us".

• In the US, individuals may contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, communicate via 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].
• Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.