Former Cambridge professor Jason Arday found dead amid plagiarism investigation

Jason Arday, a former professor at Cambridge University who had recently resigned amid a plagiarism investigation, was found unresponsive at a Battersea address in South London on Friday, emergency services said.

Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice expressed sympathy, stating, "Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday's family and friends at this difficult time." UK Education Secretary Lucy Powell also offered condolences and asked for privacy for the family.

Arday, who had been noted as the university's youngest Black professor, stepped down after the institution announced an inquiry into his academic qualifications and honorary appointments. The university indicated that separate complaints regarding alleged academic misconduct were being addressed under its research misconduct policy and that support continued to be provided to Arday.

In a prior statement, Arday denied the plagiarism accusations and said his resignation was intended to "reclaim some peace" for himself and his loved ones.