Leicester-born Cambridge professor Jason Arday dies at 41

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Jason Arday, a 41-year-old British-Nigerian sociology professor of education at Cambridge University, has died at his home in south London. His family accused him of enduring years of harassment amid plagiarism allegations before his resignation on August 5. Arday was found unresponsive at the address on Friday, nine days after leaving his position.

The controversy surrounding Arday had escalated last month when academics and media reports accused him of plagiarising sections of his doctoral thesis and exaggerating aspects of his personal achievements.

Academics and anti-racism campaigners have reacted with shock and outrage, describing his death as the consequence of a 'racist witch hunt'. Weyman Bennett, co-convener of Stand Up to Racism, said the 'harassment and bullying' Arday faced was a result of 'the poisonous and vicious' attitudes of right-wing media, politicians, and far-right groups.

Jason Arday was born to a Nigerian father in Leicester and went on to become Cambridge's youngest black professor in 2023.

A file is being prepared for the coroner, who will determine the cause of death at an inquest.

Simon Baron-Cohen, a Cambridge professor and director of the university's Autism Research Centre, said he had spoken with Arday shortly before his death. Baron-Cohen described Arday as a 'vulnerable adult' who deserved safeguarding and support, especially given his autism diagnosis and history of language and learning difficulties.

Arday had said he was non-verbal until the age of 11 and did not learn to read and write until he was 18. Despite those challenges, he went on to become a professor of sociology of education at Cambridge at the age of 37.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for 'reflection' in response to Arday's death, saying, 'It's a tragedy on so many levels, but particularly just for everybody who knew Jason.'

A remembrance vigil was planned for Arday in London.

Key Facts

  • Jason Arday was 41 years old when he died.
  • He was born to a Nigerian father in Leicester.
  • Arday was found unresponsive at his home in south London.
  • A coroner's inquest will be held to determine the cause of death.
  • Arday resigned from his position as a professor at Cambridge University on August 5.
  • His family accused him of enduring years of harassment amid plagiarism allegations.
  • Academic reports accused him of plagiarising sections of his doctoral thesis and exaggerating aspects of his personal achievements.
  • Arday was diagnosed with autism and had a history of language and learning difficulties.
  • He said he was non-verbal until the age of 11 and did not learn to read and write until he was 18.
  • Arday became Cambridge's youngest black professor in 2023.