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The former world champion has spoken out after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal targeted 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 digital foul play lacking proof, offered sympathies but denied any individual targeting.

"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, immediately following his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."

Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would provide material to "appropriate officials". 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 death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a law enforcement document released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased 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 vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was located and later declared dead by a medic."

Chess World Response

Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "horrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "completely unacceptable".

Grandmaster's Impact

A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Known as Danya, he was praised for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a prominent figure 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 admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, 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 behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Sutovsky commented. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified 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".

"Life and human worth are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's relatives have said they wish he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest".

• Within the United States, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.