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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 loss as a tragedy while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his family.

Kramnik's Statement

The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, offered sympathies but denied any personal attacks.

"Regardless of our differences, 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 receive help," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality."

Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family.

Police Findings

The demise of the grandmaster may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to 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 "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."

"On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to 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 pronounced deceased by a medical professional."

Chess World Response

Anger over Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while reigning champion Carlsen described it as "terrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "completely unacceptable".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a leading voice in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under rapid formats, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.

Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the allegations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast.

Organizational Statements

The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently".

"Human life and dignity are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to maintain the standards of fairness and respect."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura described him as "among the finest".

• Within the United States, you can call or text 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 reached at 116 123, or message [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.