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The former world champion has broken his silence after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while accusing critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones.

Kramnik's Statement

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

"Regardless of our differences, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, openly urged for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."

Kramnik said his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" 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 police report issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."

"On Sunday October 19th at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was found and later declared dead by a medic."

Chess World Response

Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "terrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "totally inappropriate".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's pandemic-era boom. 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 repeatedly refuted the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.

Official Responses

The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Sutovsky commented. 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 organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently".

"Human life and dignity are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of fairness and respect."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they wish he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura described him as "the best of us".

• In the US, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.