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Vladimir Kramnik has spoken out after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones.

Kramnik's Statement

The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, offered sympathies but rejected any personal attacks.

"Regardless of our differences, 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 receive help," Kramnik declared. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident 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 noted his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.

Investigation Details

The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a police report issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was found and later pronounced deceased by a medic."

Chess World Response

Anger over Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while five-time world champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on streaming platforms. 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 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 begin performing strongly, 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 is unacceptable," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified 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 emphasized. "The chess community has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of fairness and respect."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they hope he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura described him as "among the finest".

• Within the United States, individuals may contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.