Former Cambridge professor at center of plagiarism scandal found dead in London

Jason Arday, a former professor at the University of Cambridge who stepped down last week amid claims of plagiarism in his doctoral thesis, was found dead in London on Friday. The Metropolitan Police, without identifying him by name, said a man had been found unresponsive in Battersea, south London, and pronounced dead at the scene. A spokesperson described the death as unexpected but not believed to be suspicious, adding that next of kin had been informed and were receiving support from officers.

Arday, who held the position of professor of sociology of education at Cambridge, resigned just over a week ago as allegations mounted that parts of his PhD thesis had been plagiarized and that he had inflated his personal achievements. He denied any wrongdoing, saying in a resignation letter that he did not accept 'the narratives that have surrounded me.'

Scrutiny of his academic record intensified last month after criticism from Nathan Cofnas, a former Cambridge researcher. The Times subsequently reported similarities between passages in Arday's 2015 doctoral thesis and an earlier paper by another researcher. Cambridge initially backed Arday, noting that Liverpool John Moores University, which awarded the doctorate, had investigated and cleared the plagiarism claims. Last week, however, Cambridge opened an investigation after receiving 'new information about Professor Arday's qualifications and honorary appointments.'

British media also raised questions about Arday's claims that he had raised £5.5 million (€6.4 million) for charity through endurance challenges. Arday told The Guardian that the sum had been raised collectively over two decades.

Supporters, including more than two dozen academics and politicians, called the allegations a 'smear campaign' aimed at discrediting Arday and other Black people in influential roles. In his resignation letter, Arday said the 'relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary' had taken a profound toll on him and those he loved. Cambridge's vice-chancellor, Professor Deborah Prentice, expressed deep sadness over the news and offered sympathies to Arday's family and friends.