- Jason Arday, a former University of Cambridge professor at the centre of a plagiarism scandal, has died aged 41.
- He was found unresponsive by the ambulance service at a property in Battersea, south London, and pronounced dead at the scene.
- The Metropolitan Police stated that his death is being treated as unexpected but is not believed to be suspicious.
- The University of Cambridge announced an investigation into the circumstances of Arday's appointment to the Faculty of Education in 2022 and his time there since.
- Cambridge's Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice expressed sadness, and Britain's education secretary Lucy Powell also said she was saddened by the news.
- Arday's family said they were in shock and attributed his death to a "campaign of misinformation", asking the press to stop the harassment.
Jason Arday, the youngest Black professor at the University of Cambridge, was found dead at 41, with police stating his death is unexpected but not suspicious. Arday had recently resigned amid a plagiarism scandal that sparked significant controversy in academia.145
Arday's family expressed their shock, stating, "The campaign of misinformation was too much for Jason, who was a gentle man and who always wanted to see the best in everyone," and requested privacy from the press.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Arday was found unresponsive in Battersea, south London, and pronounced dead at the scene. They are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, which follows a tumultuous period for the professor, who faced allegations of plagiarism in his 2015 PhD thesis and inconsistencies in his academic work.23
The University of Cambridge had initiated an investigation into Arday's appointment and tenure following the accusations. Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice expressed condolences, stating, "We are desperately saddened to hear this tragic news. Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time." Education Secretary Lucy Powell also expressed her sadness over the news, highlighting the impact of Arday's work in the academic community.67
As the investigation continues, the academic world reflects on the legacy of a professor whose career was marred by controversy and personal tragedy.
“Arday was found unresponsive in Battersea, south London, and pronounced dead at the scene. His family blamed a 'campaign of misinformation' and asked the press to stop harassment, while Cambridge's vice-chancellor expressed sadness.”
