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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 condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his family.

Kramnik's Statement

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

"Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video 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 sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."

Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers 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 police report released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was found and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."

Chess World Response

Anger over Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "terrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "completely unacceptable".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, 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, placing ninth at last year's speed chess title event 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 remarked in his last online broadcast.

Organizational Statements

The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Sutovsky stated. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently".

"Human life and dignity are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's relatives have said they hope he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us".

• Within the United States, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
• In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 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.