Jason Arday, Youngest Black Cambridge Professor Who Resigned Amid Plagiarism Row, Found Dead

Jason Arday, who became the youngest Black professor at the University of Cambridge in 2023, was found dead in south London on Friday, days after resigning from the university amid a high-profile controversy over allegations concerning his academic work and professional background.

The 41-year-old was found unresponsive at a property in Battersea and was pronounced dead at the scene, several UK media outlets reported, citing a statement from London’s Metropolitan Police Service.

According to the police statement, officers were called by the London Ambulance Service “following a report that a man had been found unresponsive inside a property” in the Battersea neighbourhood. The police did not confirm the man’s identity.

“At this time his death is being

treated as unexpected, but is not believed to be suspicious,” the statement added.

The statement said an investigation had also been launched, adding, adding, “A file will be prepared for the coroner.”

Plagiarism Claims Sparked Probe

The controversy intensified this month after allegations emerged that Arday had plagiarised parts of his doctoral thesis, alongside questions over claims made about his career and achievements.

The allegations prompted Cambridge to announce an independent investigation into his appointment and career at the university.

Arday resigned on August 5, saying the “relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary” had taken a profound toll on him and those close to him. He said his resignation should not be interpreted as accepting the claims made against him.

The row also triggered accusations of racism, with Black academics warning that the intense scrutiny could fuel a wider backlash against minority academics. At the same time, critics said questions over Arday’s academic record needed to be examined independently.

No formal investigation had established him guilty of plagiarism before his resignation.

Cambridge ‘Desperately Saddened’ By Death

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

“We are desperately saddened to hear this tragic news,” Prentice said in a statement. “Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

On Wednesday, Prentice had called Arday’s alleged wrongdoing “an aberration” and vowed a thorough investigation, while insisting it should not be used “to cast aspersions” on other academics from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Arday’s memoir, ‘Great and Unfortunate Things’, was published in the US this week and is due to be released in Britain later this month.

(With inputs from agencies)