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The former world champion has broken his silence after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal targeted 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 without evidence, offered sympathies but rejected any individual targeting.

"Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, publicly called for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."

Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were drafting civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.

Police Findings

The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being investigated as a possible suicide, based on a police report issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"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 unconscious individual was located and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."

Chess World Response

Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while reigning champion Carlsen described it as "terrible". GM from India Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "totally inappropriate".

Grandmaster's Impact

A Stanford-educated prodigy 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 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 consistently denied the allegations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his final livestream.

Official Responses

The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky stated. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred 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 emphasized. "The chess community has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of fairness and respect."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's family have expressed they wish he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us".

• Within the United States, individuals may contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a support specialist.
• 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 Australia is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.