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

Kramnik's Statement

The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, expressed condolences but denied any individual targeting.

"Regardless of our differences, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, publicly called for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality."

Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were preparing 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 result of a drug overdose and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to a police report 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."

"On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was found and later declared dead by a medic."

Community Reaction

Anger over Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while reigning champion Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "totally inappropriate".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under shorter time controls, placing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.

Official Responses

The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky stated. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's public statements 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 fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness and respect."

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 provided others every day". Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest".

• In the US, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a support specialist.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.