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Vladimir Kramnik has spoken out after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his family.

Former Champion's Response

The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, offered sympathies but denied any individual targeting.

"Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, publicly called for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency."

Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.

Investigation Details

The demise of the grandmaster may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was found and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."

Community Reaction

Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "horrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "completely unacceptable".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also among the globe's top competitors under shorter time controls, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but acknowledged the toll 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 International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "to be reviewed independently".

"Life and human worth are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty 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 confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "among the finest".

• Within the United States, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
• In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• In Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.