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The former world champion has spoken out after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones.

Kramnik's Statement

The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, expressed condolences 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 get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency."

Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and stated he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family.

Police Findings

The death of Naroditsky may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a police report issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies 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. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was located and later declared dead by a medical professional."

Chess World Response

Anger over Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "terrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit 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. Known as Danya, he was celebrated 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 rapid formats, placing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied 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 assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.

Organizational Statements

The World Chess Federation said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO 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, before and after his death, would be submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration".

"Human life and dignity are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status 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 confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us".

• 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.
• In the UK 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.
• Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.