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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 tragedy while accusing critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his family.

Kramnik's Statement

The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, expressed condolences but denied any individual targeting.

"Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality."

Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" 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 examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was located and later declared dead by a medic."

Chess World Response

Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "horrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "totally inappropriate".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was praised for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a prominent figure 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 allegations but admitted the impact 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 last online broadcast.

Organizational Statements

The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Federation president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently".

"Life and human worth are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they wish he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "among the finest".

• In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.