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The former world champion has broken his silence after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful campaign of harassment" against him and his family.

Kramnik's Statement

The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play without evidence, offered sympathies but rejected any personal attacks.

"Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual 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 stated. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."

Kramnik asserted 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 preparing civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers 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, based on a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers answered an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was located and later pronounced deceased by a medic."

Community Reaction

Anger over Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while five-time world champion Carlsen described it as "terrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "completely unacceptable".

Grandmaster's Impact

A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was praised for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a leading voice in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under shorter time controls, placing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations but admitted the impact they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his final livestream.

Organizational Statements

The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

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 federation's disciplinary body "to be reviewed independently".

"Life and human worth are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of fairness and respect."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they hope he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru 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 text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
• In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.