Jason Arday death: Cambridge’s youngest Black professor found dead amid plagiarism allegations and scrutiny

A British sociologist who resigned from the University of Cambridge last week amid weeks of plagiarism allegations and intense media scrutiny was found dead in south London on Friday.

Jason Arday, who became Cambridge’s youngest Black professor in 2023 at the age of 37, stepped down from his role after facing sustained public scrutiny over allegations concerning his academic work, as well as questions about claims related to his athletic achievements and fundraising.

The Times, Telegraph, BBC and Sky News reported that Arday, 41, was found "unresponsive" at a home in Battersea, south London, on Friday afternoon.


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His death was reported in the same week that his memoir, "Great and Unfortunate Things," was released. Simon & Schuster had proceeded with the publication despite questions surrounding Arday’s credibility.

In a statement issued through his publisher, Arday’s family said they were "in shock to have lost this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son."

"The campaign of misinformation was too much for Jason, who was a gentle man and who always wanted to see the best in everyone," the family said. They added that Arday had been "subjected to a campaign of sustained abuse ... by those who would leave no stone unturned in their quest to undermine him" for three years.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a 41-year-old man was pronounced dead in Battersea but did not identify him, in line with its policy.

"At this time his death is being treated as unexpected, but is not believed to be suspicious," the police said.

Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice, who had earlier announced that the university would investigate the circumstances surrounding Arday’s employment, said she was "desperately saddened" by his death.

"Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time," she said.

Jason Arday had denied plagiarism allegations

Arday resigned as professor of sociology of education last week, saying that "the relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love."

He said his decision to step down should not "be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me." Arday denied plagiarism but acknowledged that he had made some mistakes while working on his doctorate.

More than two dozen academics and politicians had supported Arday, describing the plagiarism allegations as a "smear campaign" intended to undermine Arday and other Black people who hold "positions of influence."

Questions raised over Arday’s academic work

Arday’s appointment at Cambridge had drawn attention to his personal story of overcoming dyslexia, developmental delays and autism. He had said these challenges left him non-verbal until the age of 11 and illiterate until his late teens.

In his memoir, Arday described himself as someone "born to achieve and born to struggle." He recalled a family "legend" that the 1980s song "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" was playing on the radio around the time of his birth.

He also wrote that a midwife had noticed his long fingers and told his mother they were a sign he was destined for greatness. In his early 20s, while on a relief mission in Brazil, Arday recalled an aid worker placing a hand on his arm and predicting that he would have an extraordinary life.

"But I also believe you're destined for very sad and difficult things as well," she warned him.

Questions about Arday’s qualifications were publicly raised last month by Nathan Cofnas, a former Cambridge philosophy researcher whose criticism of diversity, equity and inclusion programmes had sparked widespread protests.

On July 24, The Times published an analysis of Arday’s 2015 PhD thesis, identifying what it described as multiple passages that were "identical or near-identical" to an earlier paper by another researcher.

British media also questioned Arday’s claims that he had raised £5.5 million ($7.4 million) for charity through endurance challenges, including running 30 marathons in 35 days and covering 600 miles in six days.

Cambridge opens investigation

Dozens of Cambridge academics signed a letter calling for an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Arday’s appointment.

Cambridge initially defended Arday, saying the plagiarism allegations had previously been investigated by Liverpool John Moores University, which awarded his doctorate.

The university later changed its position and announced an investigation "following new information about Professor Arday's qualifications and honorary appointments."

Prentice also said Cambridge would review its hiring processes. She stressed that "our staff of color are highly valued, for their scholarship, their achievements and the contributions they make to the institution and the wider academic community."

"This particular case is an aberration and should not be used to cast aspersions on their work or the legitimacy of their roles at Cambridge," she said on Thursday.