Former Cambridge professor Jason Arday found dead amid plagiarism allegations: University
Former Cambridge University professor Jason Arday was found dead in London on Friday, the U.K. university said, 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 on Friday. "Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
Arday, who drew attention after becoming the prestigious university's youngest Black professor ever, resigned from his role last week. He denied the allegations of plagiarism.
A statement issued Saturday from publisher Simon and Schuster UK on behalf of Arday's family said, "Jason was subjected to a campaign of sustained abuse for the more than three years since he accepted the role of Professor at Cambridge University by those who would leave no stone unturned in their quest to undermine him."
The statement added, "The campaign of misinformation was too much for Jason, who was a gentle man and who always wanted to see the best in everyone. We are in shock to have lost this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son. We won’t comment further at this point beyond asking the press to leave us alone now, and to stop the campaign of harassment which has been waged against Jason and his family for too long."
U.K. Education Secretary Lucy Powell said on Friday, "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 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.
