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Vladimir Kramnik 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 condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones.

Kramnik's Statement

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

"Regardless of our differences, I was the only person in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, publicly called for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."

Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.

Investigation Details

The demise of the grandmaster may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a law enforcement document released Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was located and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."

Community Reaction

Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while five-time world champion Magnus 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 vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".

Grandmaster's Impact

A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Known as Danya, he was praised for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a leading voice in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also among the globe's top competitors under shorter time controls, placing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his final livestream.

Official Responses

The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Sutovsky commented. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Fide president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be submitted to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration".

"Life and human worth are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's family 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". Magnus Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "the best of us".

• In the US, individuals may contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline 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 contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie.
• Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.