Former Cambridge University professor Jason Arday has been found dead at his home in Battersea, south London, days after resigning from the prestigious university amid accusations of plagiarism and questions over his academic credentials.
Arday, 41, was pronounced dead after emergency services were called to the property on Friday afternoon, the Metropolitan Police said.
Police said his death was unexpected but is not believed to be suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Arday became Cambridge’s youngest black professor when he was appointed professor of sociology of education in 2023. His appointment attracted widespread attention due to his journey through the challenges of childhood and academia.
However, his career came under increasing scrutiny after accusations that parts of his doctoral thesis had been plagiarized. Arday denied the allegations, while an investigation by Liverpool John Moores University confirmed their decision to award him a doctorate.
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More questions subsequently arose about claims about his academic career, sporting achievements and charity fundraising.
Cambridge announced last week that it would investigate new information about Arday’s academic qualifications and honorary appointments, as well as complaints of alleged academic misconduct. He resigned soon after, saying he had reached the limits of what he could reasonably be expected to endure.
In his resignation statement, Arday maintained that his decision should not be interpreted as an acceptance of the accusations against him.
His family said he had endured a prolonged campaign of abuse and misinformation, describing him as a “kind man” and expressing shock at his death.
Professor Deborah Prentice, vice-chancellor of Cambridge, said the university was “desperately saddened” by Arday’s death and expressed her condolences to his family and friends.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding his academic appointments remain ongoing.
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