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

Kramnik's Statement

The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, offered sympathies but denied any personal attacks.

"Despite the tensions, 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 get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality."

Kramnik said his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were drafting legal actions 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 investigated as a possible suicide, based on a law enforcement document released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says 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 answered an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was located and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."

Chess World Response

Anger over Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "terrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also among the globe's top competitors under rapid formats, placing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.

Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked in his final livestream.

Organizational Statements

The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky stated. The organization 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 referred to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration".

"Life and human worth are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness and respect."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's family have expressed they wish he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura described him as "the best of us".

• Within the United States, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist.
• In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• In Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.