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The former world champion has spoken out after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, describing 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 family.

Former Champion's Response

The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, offered sympathies but rejected any individual targeting.

"Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, openly urged for him to receive help," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency."

Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed 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 demise of the grandmaster may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a police report issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities 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 approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was located and later declared dead by a medic."

Community Reaction

Anger over Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "horrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".

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 celebrated for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a leading voice in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under rapid formats, finishing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.

Organizational Statements

The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Sutovsky commented. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award.

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

"Life and human worth are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to uphold the principles of fairness and respect."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's family have expressed they wish he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation 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, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
• In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie.
• Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.