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The former world champion has spoken out after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his family.

Kramnik's Statement

The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, expressed condolences but denied any personal attacks.

"Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual 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 stated. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality."

Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "false accusations" that have led to threats 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 police report released Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

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

Chess World Response

Anger over Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India 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 "totally inappropriate".

Grandmaster's Impact

A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a leading voice 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 consistently denied the allegations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.

Official Responses

The World Chess Federation said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky commented. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Fide president Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration".

"Life and human worth are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family 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 remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "the best of us".

• In the US, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.