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The former world champion has broken his silence after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while accusing critics for mounting 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 widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, offered sympathies but denied any individual targeting.

"Regardless of our differences, I was the only person 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 ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."

Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "even with substantial proof", and stated he would provide material to "any relevant authority". 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 investigated as a possible suicide, based on a police report issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was found and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."

Community Reaction

Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "completely unacceptable".

Grandmaster's Impact

A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was praised 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, placing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.

Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast.

Organizational Statements

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

Federation president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration".

"Life and human worth are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of fairness and respect."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's family have said they hope 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 Hikaru Nakamura described 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 message HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.