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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 loss as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones.

Kramnik's Statement

The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, offered sympathies but rejected any personal attacks.

"Regardless of our differences, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality."

Kramnik said his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.

Investigation Details

The death of Naroditsky may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a police report issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was located and later declared dead by a medic."

Chess World Response

Anger over Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "terrible". GM from India Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "completely unacceptable".

Grandmaster's Impact

A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, 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 leading voice in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also among the globe's top competitors 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 mental health. "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 "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Sutovsky commented. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Federation president Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently".

"Life and human worth are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of equity and consideration."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's family have said they hope he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura referred to 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.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.