By Blessing Nweke
Jason Arday, the former University of Cambridge professor who recently resigned amid allegations of plagiarism and questions about his academic record, has been found dead at his home in south London. He was 41.
The Metropolitan Police said officers were called to an address after 3pm on Friday following a report from the London Ambulance Service. A 41-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the death was unexpected but was not being treated as suspicious, while a coroner is expected to determine the circumstances.
Arday became Cambridge’s youngest Black professor when he was appointed in 2023. His career had attracted significant attention because of his rise from a difficult childhood to an academic position at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
However, his career came under intense scrutiny in recent months. Investigations raised allegations of plagiarism in parts of his doctoral thesis and other academic work, alongside questions about claims made about his professional history. Cambridge announced an investigation into his appointment and qualifications before Arday resigned on August 5.
In his resignation statement, Arday said the prolonged accusations and public scrutiny had taken a serious toll on him and those close to him.
His family said after his death that he had faced a sustained campaign of harassment and misinformation, describing him as a gentle and optimistic man and asking for privacy.
Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice expressed deep sadness over his death, while colleagues and public figures have paid tribute to Arday’s life and academic achievements.
The university’s independent investigation into his appointment is expected to continue despite his death.
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