🔗 Share this article Vladimir Kramnik Rejects Misconduct in Passing of American Grandmaster Naroditsky The former world champion has spoken out after the death of American grandmaster 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 targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones. Former Champion's Response The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play without evidence, expressed condolences 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, publicly called for him to get assistance," 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 said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were drafting civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family. Investigation Details The demise of the grandmaster may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death." "On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual 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 described it as "terrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "completely unacceptable". Grandmaster's Impact A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a leading voice in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also among the globe's top competitors under shorter time controls, placing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York. Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his final livestream. Official Responses The World Chess Federation said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration". "Human life and dignity are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to maintain the standards of equity and consideration." Family's Hope Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they wish he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura described him as "among the finest". In the US, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor. Throughout Britain and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14. Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.