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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 heartbreaking event while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful campaign of harassment" against him and his family.

Former Champion's Response

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

"Regardless of our differences, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "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 requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and stated he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.

Investigation Details

The death of Naroditsky may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased 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 answered an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was found and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."

Community Reaction

Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "terrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "completely unacceptable".

Grandmaster's Impact

A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was praised for his wit, insight and modesty, 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 speed chess title event in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast.

Organizational Statements

The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Sutovsky commented. The organization 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 core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness and respect."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's family have expressed they hope he is recalled not because of the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest".

• Within the United States, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.