Former Cambridge professor Jason Arday found dead days after stepping down amid allegations of plagiarism
Jason Arday, a former Cambridge professor embroiled in plagiarism claims, was found dead in London. His family described him as a victim of sustained abuse. Cambridge's vice-chancellor expressed deep sadness over his passing amid calls for an investigation into his employment due to the allegations.
Former University of Cambridge professor Jason Arday was found unresponsive in his London home on Friday, days after he resigned amid allegations of plagiarism in his PhD thesis. The 41-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, with London's Metropolitan Police treating his death as unexpected and not suspicious. Arday had previously resigned from his professorship after facing public accusations of plagiarism, and his memoir was published despite doubts about his credibility.
The family released a statement expressing their shock and describing Arday as a gentle man who always wanted to see the best in everyone. They alleged that a campaign of misinformation and abuse had "taken a profound toll" on him and his loved ones. The vice-chancellor of Cambridge University, Deborah Prentice, expressed her sorrow at the news, stating that the university would investigate the circumstances surrounding Arday's employment.
Arday had denied plagiarizing but admitted to making some mistakes during his doctoral work. Supporters claimed the accusations were a smear campaign, while Cambridge academics called for an inquiry into his appointment. The university initially backed Arday but later opened an investigation following new information about his qualifications and honorary appointments.
Prentice emphasized that the case was an aberration and should not be used to cast doubt on the work or legitimacy of other Black academics at Cambridge.
Written by urgent.news from Live Mint's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
