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

Former Champion's Response

The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, 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 obvious health issues a day before his death, publicly called 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 fundamental human decency."

Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family.

Police Findings

The demise of the grandmaster may have been the consequence of substance overuse 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 "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."

"On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 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 called his behavior "appalling", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "horrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "completely unacceptable".

Grandmaster's Impact

A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was celebrated 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 rapid formats, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.

Naroditsky repeatedly refuted 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 assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.

Official Responses

The World Chess Federation said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Federation president Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently".

"Human life and dignity are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of fairness and respect."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's family have expressed they wish he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while 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 message HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
• In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• In Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.