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Vladimir Kramnik has broken his silence after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones.

Former Champion's Response

The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, 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 obvious health issues 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 … violate every limit of basic human morality."

Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.

Investigation Details

The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a police report released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."

"On Sunday October 19th at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was located and later declared dead by a medical professional."

Community Reaction

Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "completely unacceptable".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also among the globe's top competitors under rapid formats, placing 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. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his final livestream.

Official Responses

The World Chess Federation said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Sutovsky commented. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Fide president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be submitted to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration".

"Human life and dignity are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's family have expressed they hope he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", 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 message HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
• In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email [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.