🔗 Share this article Former world champion Kramnik Denies Misconduct in Passing of American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky Vladimir Kramnik has spoken out after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones. Former Champion's Response The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating 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, publicly called for him to receive help," Kramnik declared. "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 ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "unfounded claims" 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, according to a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation." "On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was located and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional." Chess World Response Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "horrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "totally inappropriate". Grandmaster's Impact A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on streaming platforms. Known as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also among the globe's top competitors under shorter time controls, finishing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York. Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations but admitted the impact they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his final livestream. Organizational Statements The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize. Fide president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements 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 fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of equity and consideration." Family's Hope Naroditsky's relatives have said 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 described him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "the best of us". In the US, individuals may contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected]. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.