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The former world champion has broken his silence after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while accusing critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his family.

Former Champion's Response

The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, offered sympathies but rejected any individual targeting.

"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, openly urged for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."

Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family.

Investigation Details

The death of Naroditsky may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to a law enforcement document released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was located and later pronounced deceased by a medic."

Community Reaction

Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while reigning champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "completely unacceptable".

Grandmaster's Impact

A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on streaming platforms. Known as Danya, he was celebrated for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure 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 consistently denied the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast.

Official Responses

The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration".

"Human life and dignity are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's relatives have said they wish he is recalled not because of the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us".

• Within the United States, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a support specialist.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• In Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.