Jason Arday Found Dead at 41, Days After Plagiarism Row

Jason Arday, the former University of Cambridge professor who recently resigned amid a high-profile plagiarism row, has died. He was 41.

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The academic was found unresponsive at an address in Battersea, south London, on this afternoon (August 14).

According to The Guardian, Metropolitan Police officers attended the property after being called by the London Ambulance Service shortly after 3pm.

Arday was pronounced dead at the scene, and his next of kin have been informed.

Police said his death is being treated as “unexpected,” but is not believed to be suspicious. A file will be prepared for the coroner.

University of Cambridge vice-chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice expressed sadness at the news and extended sympathies to Arday’s family and friends.

The news comes just over a week after Arday resigned from his position as professor of sociology of education following allegations of plagiarism and scrutiny surrounding aspects of his academic record.

Arday denied plagiarism, while acknowledging errors in his work. In announcing his resignation, he said the intense public scrutiny and personal criticism surrounding the controversy had taken a “profound toll” on him and those close to him.

His appointment in 2023 saw him become the youngest Black professor in Cambridge University’s history and was widely celebrated at the time.

Arday maintained that his decision to resign should not be interpreted as acceptance of the allegations made against him.

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