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The former world champion has broken his silence after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful campaign of harassment" against him and his family.

Kramnik's Statement

The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, expressed condolences but rejected any individual targeting.

"Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, publicly called for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality."

Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "false accusations" 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 investigated as a possible suicide, according to a police report issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was located and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."

Community Reaction

Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "completely unacceptable".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was celebrated 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, 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. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast.

Official Responses

The World Chess Federation said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky commented. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently".

"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 duty to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others 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 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.