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The former world champion has broken his silence after the death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his family.

Former Champion's Response

The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, expressed condolences but denied any personal attacks.

"Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, publicly called for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of fundamental human decency."

Kramnik said his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have led to threats against him and his family.

Investigation Details

The demise of the grandmaster 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 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 approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was found and later pronounced deceased by a medic."

Chess World Response

Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "horrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "completely unacceptable".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was celebrated for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. 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 repeatedly refuted the allegations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his final livestream.

Organizational Statements

The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration".

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

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's family have expressed they wish he is recalled not because of the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest".

• In the US, individuals may contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a support specialist.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie.
• In Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.