Friends of Jason Arday, the former Cambridge University professor found dead this week at the age of 41, have paid tribute to his kindness and gentle nature. One former teammate described him as "a hero of a man and, without question, the kindest person I've ever known."
Arday, who resigned from his post amid a plagiarism row, was remembered by those who knew him from Battersea Park Rangers (BPR), a close-knit football team in south London. He was a talented goalkeeper, but it was his character off the field that struck his teammates most.
Memories from the football pitch
One friend, who gave Arday lifts to and from games, recalled bonding during car journey chats. "Jason was interested in the world and people; he had an almost childlike sense of wonder," the friend said.
Another former teammate, Mike Freeman, 41, who went to primary school with Arday, said: "He was one of the best people I have been fortunate to know. A friend. A team mate. He was someone who strove to make the world a better place. He was incredibly caring, always asking about my family. And despite being so busy with his career, he hardly ever missed a BPR game."
Kindness remembered
George Ryan, 41, who met Arday when he was 14, added: "He was just an incredibly selfless guy. If he could put someone else ahead of his own needs, that is exactly what he would do."
Nick Clark, 41, another former teammate, said: "I will always picture him as a young boy, with his big afro and even bigger smile. Despite his challenges, he was so engaging and embraced everything he did with joy and dedication."
Final tributes
In his resignation statement, Arday, who referenced growing up with autism, said: "While criticism is an inevitable part of academic life, what I have experienced has gone far beyond scholarly disagreement. The relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love."
Cambridge professor Sir Simon Baron-Cohen, who was in touch with Arday on Friday before he was found dead, told the BBC: "He was a vulnerable child, a vulnerable teenager, and a vulnerable adult, so he needed and deserved safeguarding and support and reasonable adjustment every step of the way."
Arday's death is a tragic loss of life. His friends' hearts go out to his family, and they will remember him with a smile in the dressing room.
