Jason Arday: Ex-Cambridge professor found dead — reports

Jason Arday, the former Cambridge professor who resigned amid allegations of plagiarism, was found dead on Friday, UK media outlets reported.

Without naming him directly, the Metropolitan Police said he was found "unresponsive" in Battersea, south London, and pronounced dead at the scene.

"At this time his death is being treated as unexpected, but is not believed to be suspicious," a spokesperson said.

Arday, a professor of sociology of education at Cambridge, one of the world's top universities, resigned just over a week ago amid mounting allegations that he plagiarized parts of his PhD thesis and overstated his personal achievements.

He has denied wrongdoing, saying in a resignation letter that he did not accept "the narratives that have surrounded me."

Questions mounted over thesis and fundraising claims

British newspapers and commentators have seized on the allegations, arguing that he gained an unfair advantage through diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) policies.

Scrutiny of Arday's credentials intensified last month after criticism from former Cambridge researcher Nathan Cofnas.

The Times of London later reported similarities between passages in Arday's 2015 PhD thesis and an earlier paper by another researcher.

Cambridge initially stood by Arday, saying that the plagiarism allegations had been investigated by Liverpool John Moores University, which awarded Arday's doctorate, but it last week launched an investigation following "new information about Professor Arday's qualifications and honorary appointments."

British media also questioned Arday's claims of raising £5.5 million (€6.4 million, $7.4 million) for charity through endurance challenges. Arday told The Guardian the funds were raised collectively over two decades.

Supporters reject claims, cite racial bias

Supporters, including over two dozen academics and politicians, characterized the plagiarism allegations as a "smear campaign" designed to discredit Arday and other Black people in influential positions.

Arday wrote in a statement that "the relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love."

Cambridge's Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice said Friday, "We are desperately saddened to hear this tragic news. Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."

Edited by: Rob Turner and Karl Sexton

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Reporting originally appeared via DW News. Read the full source for additional context.