Jason Arday, former Cambridge professor facing plagiarism row, found dead

Jason Arday, the former University of Cambridge professor who resigned from his post amid an intensity media pressure and weeks of allegations about plagiarism in his academic work, was found dead Friday afternoon inside a home in Battersea, south London, according to reports.

The Metropolitan Police stated that a 41-year-old man was pronounced dead in Battersea, without naming the man in accordance with its policy. "At this time his death is being treated as unexpected, but is not believed to be suspicious," the police statement said, and the case is being investigated by officers from the Met's Central South Command Unit.

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Jason Arday was 37 when he became Cambridge’s youngest Black professor in 2023. His appointment at Cambridge highlighted his personal story of overcoming dyslexia, developmental delays and autism that he said left him non-verbal until the age of 11 and illiterate until his late teens.

Questions about Arday’s qualifications were raised publicly last month by Nathan Cofnas, a one-time Cambridge philosophy researcher who left the university after his critique of diversity, equity and inclusion programs sparked widespread protests. On July 24, the Times of London published an analysis of Arday’s 2015 Ph.D. Thesis highlighting what it said were multiple examples of passages that were “identical or near-identical” to an earlier paper written by another researcher. British media also raised questions about Arday’s claims that he had raised 5.5 million pounds ($7.4 million) for charity through feats such as running 30 marathons in 35 days and 600 miles in six days.

Cambridge initially stood by Arday, saying that the plagiarism allegations had been investigated by Liverpool John Moores University, which awarded Arday’s doctorate. The university then changed its stance and said it opened an investigation “following new information about Professor Arday’s qualifications and honorary appointments.”

In resigning as professor of sociology of education, Arday wrote in a statement that “the relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love.” He said his stepping down should not “be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me.” He has denied plagiarism, but admitted to some mistakes when working on his doctorate.

Supporters, including more than two dozen academics and politicians, had described the plagiarism allegations as a “smear campaign” designed to undermine Arday and other Black people who hold “positions of influence.”

Cambridge Vice-chancellor Deborah Prentice, who earlier announced that the university will investigate the circumstances around Arday’s employment, said she was “desperately saddened” by the news. “Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time,” she said.

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

Arday family, via Simon & Schuster UK and HuffPost

The family said, adding that for three years Arday was “subjected to a campaign of sustained abuse ... By those who would leave no stone unturned in their quest to undermine him.” Britain's education secretary, Lucy Powell, said she was saddened to hear the news of Arday's death.

Key developments in the case

• Appointment: Arday became Cambridge's youngest Black professor of sociology of education in 2023.
• Resignation: Arday stepped down from his posts at Cambridge and Jesus College, citing severe personal toll.
• Investigation: Metropolitan Police confirmed an unexpected death in Battersea, with a file being prepared for the coroner.