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The former world champion has broken his silence after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones.

Former Champion's Response

The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play without evidence, offered sympathies but rejected any individual targeting.

"Regardless of our differences, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, openly urged for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."

Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits 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 examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was found and later pronounced deceased by a medic."

Community Reaction

Anger over Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "terrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "totally inappropriate".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Known 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 speed chess title event in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations but admitted the impact 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 World Chess Federation said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Federation president Dvorkovich later confirmed 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 fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of equity and consideration."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they hope he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest".

• In the US, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
• In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.