LONDON: Former University of Cambridge professor Jason Arday has been found dead in London, days after resigning from his post following plagiarism allegations and scrutiny over aspects of his life story.
The 41-year-old was found unresponsive at an address in Battersea on Friday afternoon and pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Police said his death was being treated as unexpected but was not believed to be suspicious. His family has been informed and is being supported by officers.
Arday, who became Cambridge’s youngest Black professor in 2023, resigned as professor of sociology of education last week.
His resignation followed allegations that his PhD thesis at Liverpool John Moores University contained passages similar to another academic’s work. The university previously said Arday’s PhD remained valid following a confidential procedure.
Family expresses shock
Arday’s family said they were in shock and described him as an “amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son”. They said he had faced a campaign of misinformation.
ALSO READ: Bones of Medieval Kings Saved From Wildfire in Spain
In his resignation letter, Arday said persistent accusations, speculation and public commentary had taken a “profound toll” on him and his loved ones. He stressed that his resignation should not be interpreted as accepting claims made about him.
Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice expressed deep sadness and offered condolences to his family and friends.
Several public figures also criticised the level of scrutiny Arday faced. Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy described the coverage as a “witch hunt”, while London Mayor Sadiq Khan said Arday had faced unacceptable public hounding.
Cambridge had recently announced an independent investigation into Arday’s appointment.
His memoir, Great And Unfortunate Things, is scheduled for publication on August 27.
