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The former world champion has spoken out after the tragic passing of US chess star 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 campaign of 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 without evidence, 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 apparent health concerns a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency."

Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination 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 drafting legal actions over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family.

Police Findings

The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse 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 discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers answered an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was found and later declared dead by a medic."

Community Reaction

Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "horrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, 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 rapid formats, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.

Organizational Statements

The World Chess Federation said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "to be reviewed independently".

"Life and human worth are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to maintain the standards of equity and consideration."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "among the finest".

• Within the United States, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• In Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.