Former Cambridge professor Jason Arday found dead

Former University of Cambridge professor Jason Arday has been found dead, police have said.

A statement said the academic was found “unresponsive” at an address in south London on the afternoon of 14 August. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and his next of kin have been informed.

Cambridge vice-chancellor Deborah Prentice said: “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.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said officers were called by the London Ambulance Service at 3.12pm.

They said: “Sadly, 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 Cambridge’s youngest ever black professor when he was appointed in 2023.

He resigned on 5 August after being accused of plagiarising his PhD thesis while at Liverpool John Moores University and facing other questions about his academic work. 

Cambridge has announced an investigation into his appointment and time at the university.

When he stepped down, Arday said that “relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love”.

His memoir, Great and Unfortunate Things, is due to be published in the UK on 27 August.

tom.williams@timeshighereducation.com