Former Cambridge professor Jason Arday found dead amid plagiarism allegations, university says
Jason Arday had been Cambridge's youngest Black professor ever.
Former Cambridge University professor Jason Arday was found dead on Friday, according to the university, amid plagiarism allegations and accusations regarding his background and qualifications.
Emergency services said the 41-year-old was found "unresponsive" at an address in Battersea, South London.
"We are desperately saddened to hear this tragic news," Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice said in a statement. "Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
U.K. Education Secretary Lucy Powell said in a statement, "My heartfelt condolences are with his friends and family at this very sad time. I urge people to give them privacy through this incredibly difficult period & to remember there are real people with loved ones involved."
Arday, who drew attention after becoming the prestigious university's youngest Black professor ever, resigned from his role last week.
Arday resigned after Cambridge announced an investigation into him following "new information" about his "academic qualifications and honorary appointments." The university said ongoing complaints about Arday's alleged academic misconduct were being handled separately, "in line with our Misconduct in Research policy."
"We also fully recognise that there is a person at the centre of this situation, and we continue to provide support to him," the university said.
Arday denied the plagiarism accusations and said he decided to resign in order to "reclaim some peace" for himself and his loved ones.
