Professor Jason Arday's friend has shared the heartbreaking final text he received from the former University of Cambridge professor before his death at the age of 41. Arday was found dead at his home in South London on Friday evening, August 14, after emergency services were called to reports of an unresponsive man.
Final Text and Last Meeting
Speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain on Monday, August 17, Professor Kehinde Andrews described his last encounter with Arday the previous Monday, noting that Arday had lost weight. He added: "He was just completely overwhelmed, I think. One of the last texts he said to me was that he just couldn't see a way out; he couldn't see a way forward."
Pressure and Resignation
Arday had resigned from his position at Cambridge the week before his death following allegations of plagiarism, which he denied. Andrews reflected on the "so much pressure" from media and social media coverage, saying: "Losing his job at Cambridge, having to resign, putting financial pressure on his family. This is somebody who has two children, with one child going into university."
Family Statement and Calls for Inquiry
In a statement issued by his publisher, Simon & Schuster UK, Arday's family expressed shock, saying: "Jason was subjected to a campaign of sustained abuse for 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." They 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."
Following his death, there have been calls for a public inquiry into the press, signed by many figures, including Andrews. An official cause of death has not yet been announced.
