Vladimir Kramnik has spoken out after the death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, describing the loss of the 29-year-old as tragic while criticizing detractors for what he called an "unprecedented and unethical campaign of pressure" against him and his family.
The former world champion, 50, who faced backlash for alleging Naroditsky had cheated in online games without proof, extended sympathies but denied targeting him personally.
"Despite past disagreements, I was the sole figure in chess who, after noticing Daniel’s visible health struggles in a video a day before his passing, urged publicly that he receive assistance," Kramnik stated in a post on X. "The efforts to connect this tragedy to me immediately after his death … violate fundamental human decency."
Kramnik said his appeals for an examination of Naroditsky’s online games were dismissed "despite substantial reasons," adding he would present information to "appropriate authorities." He also mentioned legal action over alleged "false claims" that prompted threats against his family.
He supported what he referred to as a U.S. inquiry into Naroditsky’s death, offering to share "non-public details." Kramnik concluded by stating he was "physically and mentally well" and had "no intention" of self-harm.
Naroditsky’s death, possibly due to a drug overdose, is under investigation as a potential suicide, per a Thursday police report. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg police classified the incident as a "Death/Suicide/Overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."
"Officers responded to a medical assistance call on October 19 around 7:11 p.m. in the 9000 block of Colin Crossing," the report reads. "An unresponsive individual was found and later declared deceased."
Close friends, grandmaster Oleksandr Bortnyk and Charlotte Chess Center founder Peter Giannatos, discovered Naroditsky at his residence after he failed to respond to messages.
"I found him lifeless in his home," Bortnyk said in a recent broadcast. "We went to check on him and found him on the couch."
Naroditsky, a prominent streamer and commentator, was found dead last weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he worked as head coach and resident grandmaster. Authorities have not confirmed the cause of death.
A former world youth champion and Stanford graduate, Naroditsky gained a following of over 800,000 on Twitch and YouTube. Nicknamed Danya, he was admired for his wit, insight, and approachability.
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