Jason Arday’s family statement in full after former Cambridge professor found dead

The family of former University of Cambridge professor Jason Arday has issued a statement following his death.

Prof Arday, who resigned following a plagiarism row, was pronounced dead after emergency services were called to Daley Thompson Way, in Battersea, just after 3pm on Friday to a report that a man had been found unresponsive inside a property.

The Metropolitan Police said his death is being treated as unexpected, but is not believed to be suspicious.

In a statement issued by his publisher Simon & Schuster UK, Prof Arday’s family said they are “in shock to have lost this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son”.

Prof Arday, a professor of sociology of education who became Cambridge’s youngest black professor in 2023, quit following a series of media reports alleging he plagiarised his PhD thesis – completed at Liverpool John Moores University – and other research.

An investigation at Liverpool John Moores University cleared Prof Arday of wrongdoing.

The University of Cambridge said it would run an independent review of “all relevant processes” alongside an investigation into how Prof Arday was appointed by its Faculty of Education.

Last week, the university confirmed it would continue its investigation into the circumstances around Prof Arday’s “appointment and tenure” after he quit, adding that findings will feed into a review of the process for appointing senior roles.

Over the weekend, he cancelled events promoting his forthcoming memoir.

Publisher Simon & Schuster previously said that the book, Great And Unfortunate Things, would be published in the UK on August 27.

In a statement issued by his publisher Simon & Schuster UK, Prof Arday’s family said:

“Jason was subjected to a campaign of sustained abuse for more than three years since he accepted the role of professor at Cambridge University by those who would leave no stone unturned in their quest to undermine him.

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

“We are in shock to have lost this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son.

“We won’t comment further at this point beyond asking the press to leave us alone now, and to stop the campaign of harassment which has been waged against Jason and his family for too long.”

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branchIf you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.