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The former world champion has spoken out after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones.

Former Champion's Response

The 50-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.

"Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual 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 subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency."

Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.

Investigation Details

The demise of the grandmaster may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a police report issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says 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 report says. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was located and later declared dead by a medical professional."

Community Reaction

Anger over Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "terrible". GM from India Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "completely unacceptable".

Grandmaster's Impact

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 wit, insight and modesty, 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 allegations 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 assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his final livestream.

Organizational Statements

The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Sutovsky commented. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Fide president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements 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 core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has long respected 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 said they hope he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us".

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