🔗 Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Denies Misconduct in Death of American Grandmaster Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has spoken out after the tragic passing 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 unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones. Former Champion's Response The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play without evidence, expressed condolences but rejected 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 stated. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality." Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family. Investigation Details The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a police report released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department 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 area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was found and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional." Community Reaction Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while reigning champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "completely unacceptable". Naroditsky's Legacy A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a leading voice in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also one of the world's finest players under shorter time controls, placing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York. Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the accusations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast. Organizational Statements The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Sutovsky stated. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Federation president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration". "Human life and dignity are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of fairness and respect." Family's Hope Naroditsky's relatives have said they wish he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us". In the US, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. Throughout Britain 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 is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.