The family of Jason Arday, the former University of Cambridge professor who died at the age of 41, have said they are "in shock" following his death. In a statement issued by his publisher Simon & Schuster UK, they described him as an "amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son" and 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."
Death in Battersea
Jason, who became the youngest Black professor at the University of Cambridge in 2023, was found unresponsive at an address in Battersea, London, on Friday afternoon, August 14. The Metropolitan Police said officers were called to Daley Thompson Way at 3.12pm following a report that a man had been found unresponsive inside a property.
A 41-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. The Met said Jason's death is currently being treated as unexpected but is not believed to be suspicious. A file will be prepared for the coroner.
Resignation and Scrutiny
Jason's death comes just days after he resigned from his position as Professor of Sociology of Education at Cambridge. His resignation followed a series of reports concerning allegations of plagiarism in his PhD thesis, which he completed at Liverpool John Moores University. His academic and professional history had also come under scrutiny, including claims he had made about his achievements in running and charity fundraising.
In a statement announcing his departure from Cambridge, he said the "relentless focus" on him had caused significant distress and that he hoped his resignation would bring the situation to a close. The university had previously launched an investigation into allegations concerning his doctoral thesis and other aspects of his academic career.
Tributes from Figures
University of Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice said she was "desperately saddened" by his death and added: "Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time." Education Secretary Lucy Powell said she was "deeply shocked and saddened" to hear about his death, urging people to remember that "there are real people with loved ones involved".
Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson also paid tribute to Jason. Writing on X, she said: "Incredibly sad news. There are serious questions that need to be answered about the relentless media attacks Jason faced, and the duty of care owed to him when he needed it most. Sending my deepest condolences to Jason’s loved ones."
Life and Legacy
Jason had risen to prominence after becoming Cambridge's youngest Black professor in 2023. His life story had previously been celebrated as an extraordinary journey of achievement. He grew up in south London and, according to his publisher, did not speak his first word until he was 11 and learned to read and write at 18. His memoir, Great and Unfortunate Things, was due to be published in the UK by Simon & Schuster later this month.
The Metropolitan Police said its investigation into Jason's death is being carried out by officers from the Central South Command Unit, with a file to be prepared for the coroner. A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called at 3.06pm on Friday 14 August to reports of an incident on Daley Thompson Way, SW8. We sent a number of resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew, an advanced paramedic in a fast response car and members of our Hazardous Area Response Team. Sadly, a person was pronounced dead at the scene."
