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

Kramnik's Statement

The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, offered sympathies but rejected any personal attacks.

"Regardless of our differences, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of fundamental human decency."

Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were drafting legal actions 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, according to a law enforcement document released Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was located and later declared dead by a medic."

Community Reaction

Anger over Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "terrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A Stanford-educated prodigy 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 COVID-period surge. He was also among the globe's top competitors under shorter time controls, finishing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.

Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the allegations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his final livestream.

Official Responses

The World Chess Federation said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Sutovsky commented. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be submitted to the federation's disciplinary body "to be reviewed independently".

"Human life and dignity are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of fairness and respect."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they hope he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured 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 "among the finest".

• In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist.
• In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.