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The former world champion has spoken out after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his family.

Kramnik's Statement

The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, offered sympathies but rejected any personal attacks.

"Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's obvious health issues 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 … 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 claimed he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "unfounded claims" 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, based on a law enforcement document released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"On Sunday October 19th 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."

Community Reaction

Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "terrible". 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 alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "totally inappropriate".

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 celebrated for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also one of the world's finest players under shorter time controls, 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 suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his final livestream.

Organizational Statements

The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky stated. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Fide president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently".

"Life and human worth are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family 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 relatives have said they wish he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura described him as "the best of us".

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