Who is Jason Arday? Former Cambridge professor found dead days after resignation amid plagiarism row

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told CNN that a 41-year-old man was found unresponsive in Battersea, south London, and was later pronounced dead at the scene.

The spokesperson said the death was being treated as unexpected but was “not believed to be suspicious.”

Although police did not name the deceased, British media outlets have widely identified him as Arday.

Just days before his death, Arday resigned from his position at the University of Cambridge amid allegations of plagiarism and questions over some of his academic achievements. He had denied the allegations.

In a statement, his family said they were “in shock to have lost this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son,” the BBC reported.

“The campaign of misinformation was too much for Jason, who was a gentle man and who always wanted to see the best in everyone,” the family said.

Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice expressed her condolences in a statement posted on the university’s official X account.

“Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time,” she said.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell also expressed her shock and sadness over Arday’s death.

“I’m deeply shocked & saddened to hear about the death of Jason Arday. My heartfelt condolences are with his friends and family at this very sad time,” Powell said, urging people to respect the family’s privacy.

Earlier this month, when Arday resigned from his position, he said his decision should not be “interpreted as a loss of faith in scholarship.”

“Nor should it be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me,” he was quoted as saying by CNN. “It is simply the decision of someone who has reached the limits of what any person should reasonably be expected to endure.”

The University of Cambridge had earlier this month opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Arday’s appointment to the Faculty of Education in 2022.

“That investigation, as you say, should be thorough and transparent, and will be carried out independently by senior academics from within and beyond Cambridge. It will take time for this work to be done thoroughly, as you will understand, but the work must begin as soon as possible,” Prentice had said.

She also noted that Durham and Glasgow universities had announced investigations into the circumstances surrounding Arday’s appointments to academic posts at those institutions, while Jesus College had accepted his resignation from his fellowship.