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The former world champion has spoken out after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his family.

Kramnik's Statement

The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, expressed condolences but rejected any personal attacks.

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

Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "even with substantial proof", and stated he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits 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 police report issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"On Sunday October 19th at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was found and later declared dead by a medical professional."

Chess World Response

Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "terrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "totally inappropriate".

Grandmaster's Impact

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 among the globe's top competitors under rapid formats, finishing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but admitted the impact they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, 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 chief executive Sutovsky commented. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Fide president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration".

"Human life and dignity are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of equity and consideration."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura described him as "the best of us".

• Within the United States, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline 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 email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie.
• In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.