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The former world champion has spoken out after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones.

Former Champion's Response

The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, offered sympathies but denied any personal attacks.

"Despite the tensions, 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 ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of fundamental human decency."

Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "even with substantial proof", and stated he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.

Police Findings

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 released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was located and later pronounced deceased by a medic."

Chess World Response

Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while reigning champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".

Grandmaster's Impact

A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a leading voice in chess's pandemic-era boom. 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 mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.

Organizational Statements

The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky commented. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Fide president Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration".

"Life and human worth are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to uphold the principles of fairness and respect."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura described him as "the best of us".

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