Former Cambridge professor Jason Arday found dead, aged 41

Jason Arday, the former University of Cambridge professor who recently resigned amid allegations of plagiarism, has died aged 41.

Arday was found unresponsive by ambulance crews at a property in Battersea, south London. The Metropolitan Police said he was pronounced dead at the scene and that his next of kin had been informed.

Police are treating his death as unexpected but said there are currently no indications of suspicious circumstances. Officers from the Met’s Central South Command Unit are investigating.

His death comes shortly after he resigned as professor of sociology of education at the University of Cambridge following controversy surrounding his academic work.

Arday joined Cambridge’s Faculty of Education in 2022 and became the university’s youngest-ever Black professor. A prominent academic who frequently appeared in the media, he had previously held positions at several British universities.

Earlier this year, allegations emerged that sections of Arday’s 2015 doctoral thesis had been plagiarised. He denied the accusations. Scrutiny subsequently expanded to other parts of his academic work and claims concerning his career and personal history.

Cambridge announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his appointment and his time at the university.

Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice said the university was “desperately saddened” by his death and extended its sympathies to his family and friends.

Arday’s family said they were in shock and claimed that a “campaign of misinformation” against him had become overwhelming. They asked the media to respect the family’s privacy and end what they described as a prolonged campaign of harassment.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell also expressed sadness following news of his death.

Arday’s death occurred amid intense public scrutiny of the allegations against him, but police have not announced a cause of death.