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The former world champion has broken his silence after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while accusing critics for launching 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 lacking proof, expressed condolences but rejected any individual targeting.

"Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, publicly called for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, right after 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 submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.

Police Findings

The death of Naroditsky may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department 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 responded to an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was located and later pronounced deceased by a medic."

Chess World Response

Anger over Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India 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 Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Known as Danya, he was praised for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a leading voice in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under rapid formats, placing 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 mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his final livestream.

Organizational Statements

The World Chess Federation said this week it was "investigating" 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.

Fide president Arkady 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 emphasized. "The chess community has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they wish he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured 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 "the best of us".

• 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 crisis counselor.
• In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.