Jason Arday, professor at centre of Cambridge plagiarism row, found dead

Jason Arday, the black academic who resigned last week as a professor at the University of Cambridge, has been found dead at his home in south London.

The Metropolitan police said officers were called to Arday’s address by the London ambulance service after 3pm on Friday.

A spokesperson for the Met said: “A 41-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

“At this time his death is being treated as unexpected, but is not believed to be suspicious. The case is being investigated by officers from the Met’s central south command unit. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”

Arday was appointed professor of sociology of education at Cambridge in 2023, and was the university’s youngest ever black professor. But he resigned last week after accusations of plagiarism and inconsistencies in statements about his career and achievements.

In a statement announcing his resignation, Arday said: “It is with profound sadness that I write to resign, with immediate effect, from my position at the University of Cambridge and Jesus College.

“When I accepted the extraordinary honour of becoming professor of sociology at Cambridge, it was, without question, the greatest professional privilege of my life.”

Arday said he had been driven to resign because the “relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love”.

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

Arday’s autobiography was published this week in the US by an imprint of Simon & Schuster. The company had said it planned to go ahead with UK publication later this month.