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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 launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones.

Former Champion's Response

The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, offered sympathies but rejected 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 subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of fundamental human decency."

Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would provide material 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 law enforcement document released Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered 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 medical professional."

Chess World Response

Anger over Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus 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 self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "completely unacceptable".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on streaming platforms. Known 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.

Organizational Statements

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

Fide president Dvorkovich later confirmed 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 core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to uphold the principles of fairness and respect."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's family have expressed 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 "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "among the finest".

• In the US, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.