Former Cambridge professor Jason Arday dies at 41 weeks after resignation over plagiarism claims

Jason Arday, aged 41, was found unresponsive in a London flat on Friday and pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Metropolitan Police. The police described the death as unexpected and not believed to be suspicious, and the case remains under investigation.

Arday had resigned from his position as a professor at the University of Cambridge on Aug. 5 after allegations that parts of his academic work and biographical statements were plagiarized or inaccurate. In his resignation statement he said the “relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary” had taken a severe toll on him and his family, and warned that his departure should not be taken as an admission of the allegations.

The plagiarism accusations were initially raised by Nathan Cofnas, a former Cambridge researcher who has criticized diversity and inclusion policies. Arday denied intentional wrongdoing, describing the criticism as ideologically and racially motivated. A prior investigation by Liverpool John Moores University found no evidence of misconduct in his doctoral thesis.

U.K. Education Secretary Lucy Powell expressed shock and sadness on social media, urging privacy for Arday’s family. Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice also offered condolences, describing the news as “tragic.”

Arday, who joined Cambridge in 2023 as one of the institution’s youngest Black professors, had previously highlighted his personal challenges, including autism, dyslexia, and a late start in reading and writing. His memoir, “Great and Unfortunate Things,” was scheduled for release this week.