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The former world champion has broken his silence after the death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful 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 online cheating lacking proof, offered sympathies but denied any personal attacks.

"Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."

Kramnik said his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated 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 death of Naroditsky 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 statement from Charlotte authorities indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was located and later pronounced deceased by a medic."

Chess World Response

Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while five-time world champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "completely unacceptable".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. 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 among the globe's top competitors under rapid formats, placing 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 psychological well-being. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his final livestream.

Organizational Statements

The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Sutovsky commented. The federation intends to commemorate 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 federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration".

"Human life and dignity are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is recalled not because of the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "the best of us".

• In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
• 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 Australia is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.