Former Cambridge professor accused of plagiarism found dead amid ongoing investigation

Former Cambridge professor Jason Arday has been found dead at his south London home on Friday, August 14, 2026. The 41-year-old academic's death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious by the Metropolitan Police, who were called to his address by the London ambulance service after 3 p.m. A file is being prepared for the coroner.

Arday's death comes a week after he resigned from his position at the University of Cambridge amid a high-profile plagiarism controversy and allegations of inconsistencies in statements about his career and achievements. He had been appointed as Cambridge's youngest Black professor in 2023. In his resignation statement, Arday cited that "relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love". His autobiography, "Great and Unfortunate Things," was released in the US this week and was scheduled for UK publication later this month.