Jason Arday was appointed as professor of sociology of education at Cambridge in 2023, and was the university’s youngest black professor. Photograph: Christian Sinibaldi/The Guardian View image in fullscreen Jason Arday was appointed as professor of sociology of education at Cambridge in 2023, and was the university’s youngest black professor. Photograph: Christian Sinibaldi/The Guardian Jason Arday Jason Arday, professor at centre of Cambridge plagiarism row, found dead Academic was pronounced dead at his home in south London after police called to address after 3pm on Friday
Prefer the Guardian on Google Jason Arday, the 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.”
The body was believed to be that of Arday. At this stage, police are understood not to believe anyone else was involved in the death.
London ambulance service was the first emergency service at the scene. The person discovered inside the home was found unresponsive.
Arday’s family said in a statement: “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.”
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m devastated for the family and friends of Jason Arday . He faced an unacceptable public hounding and campaign of abuse. I know many Londoners will be angry and upset this evening.
“Jason Arday was the victim of a pernicious public shaming that other people in his position simply wouldn’t have faced. His death was a tragedy, but once again it should be a wake-up call for all of us.”
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: “W…