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The former world champion has spoken out after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy 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 fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, offered sympathies but denied any personal attacks.

"Regardless of our differences, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, publicly called for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of fundamental human decency."

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 submit documentation 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 consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a law enforcement document released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."

"On Sunday October 19th at around 7:11 PM, officers answered an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was found and later declared dead by a medic."

Chess World Response

Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while reigning champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".

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 praised for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under shorter time controls, finishing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his final livestream.

Official Responses

The World Chess Federation said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky commented. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award.

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 organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration".

"Life and human worth are core principles shared by all of us," 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."

Family's Hope

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

• In the US, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.