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Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones.

Kramnik's Statement

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.

"Regardless of our differences, I was the only person 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 declared. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."

Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He noted 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 result of a drug overdose and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to a police report 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."

"On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was found and later declared dead by a medic."

Chess World Response

Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "terrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, 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 one of the world's finest players under rapid formats, finishing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.

Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the allegations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his final livestream.

Organizational Statements

The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO 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 submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently".

"Life and human worth are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness and respect."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's family have expressed they hope he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us".

• Within the United States, 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, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• In Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.