Ex-Cambridge professor at centre of plagiarism scandal found dead

Jason Arday, the youngest black professor at Cambridge University in 2023, has been found dead after resigning from his position amid allegations of plagiarism. The 41-year-old was discovered unresponsive in south London on Friday afternoon by the Metropolitan Police Service. Cambridge University's Vice-Chancellor, Deborah Prentice, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of her colleague and extended condolences to Arday's family and friends during this difficult time.

The plagiarism allegations surrounding Arday, who became Cambridge's youngest black professor in 2023, have been widely reported by academics and media outlets, with some right-wing newspapers and commentators claiming he unfairly benefited from diversity and inclusion policies. Arday announced his resignation on August 5 following investigations into the accusations, stating that quitting was the only way to end a difficult period, but insisted that this decision should not be mistaken for accepting the narratives surrounding him.

Police have treated his death as unexpected and not suspicious, with the case being investigated by the Met's Central South Command Unit, pending preparation of a report for the coroner. Education Secretary Lucy Powell voiced shock and sadness over the news, urging privacy for Arday's family and emphasizing that people must remember there are real people involved in this tragedy.