Former Cambridge professor Jason Arday found dead following plagiarism row

A former University of Cambridge professor who resigned following claims of plagiarism has been found dead.

Jason Arday was found "unresponsive" at an address in Battersea in London on Friday afternoon.

The 41-year-old, who became Cambridge's youngest black professor in 2023, resigned as a professor of sociology of education last week.

It followed reports alleging he plagiarised his PhD thesis while at Liverpool John Moores University.

Other claims also came under scrutiny, including that he ran 600 miles in six days and raised millions for charity.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson 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."

According to a Cambridge biography, Dr Arday was diagnosed with a form of autism that meant he couldn't speak until 11, or read and write until he was 18.

But some who said they attended school with him questioned those claims, telling media he was often quiet but not mute.

His supporters, meanwhile, said the intense scrutiny he was under was down to racism.

Dr Arday's family said they are "in shock to have lost this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son".

"The campaign of misinformation was too much for Jason, who was a gentle man and who always wanted to see the best in everyone," they added.

Dr Arday got the job at Cambridge - one of the world's most prestigious universities - after he went to college, trained as a teacher and started an academic career.

In his resignation letter, he told colleagues: "While criticism is an inevitable part of academic life, what I have experienced has gone far beyond scholarly disagreement.

"The relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love."

He said his resignation shouldn't "be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me".

Dr Arday's friend, barrister Jolyon Maugham, told Sky News he had been speaking to Dr Arday nearly every day. He said he had tried to reassure him after the academic said he thought his life was over.

Mr Maugham criticised the intense media coverage and questioned whether there was a legitimate public interest in the case - especially after Dr Arday resigned.

Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy told Sky News that Dr Arday had been the victim of a media "witch hunt" before his death and "people jumped on the bandwagon".

Read more from Sky News:
Wildfires emergency phone alert sent to millions
Luigi Mangione admits shooting healthcare boss

The Daily Telegraph reported last month that Dr Arday's thesis contained "more than 100 passages that are identical or nearly identical to a 2009 PhD thesis" by a Brunel University student - although it said he credited the student 17 times.

Liverpool John Moores University previously said it conducted a "confidential procedure" after being notified about the plagiarism claims in September and that his PhD "still stands".

The University of Cambridge initially said he was the target of a "vile" smear campaign but this week announced an independent investigation into his appointment.

Dr Arday's memoir, Great And Unfortunate Things, is due to be published on 27 August, but the publisher faced calls to postpone its release. Last week, he cancelled promotional events for it.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

(c) Sky News 2026: Former Cambridge professor Jason Arday found dead following plagiarism row