Cambridge professor Jason Arday is dead – accused of plagiarism

 

Felix Wilow

 

Published 09.06

 

Jason Arday, professor and author. Photo: Alamy

Professor and author Jason Arday has been found dead.

Last week he left his role at Cambridge University following allegations of plagiarism and cheating.

– We are in shock at the loss of this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son, the family said in a statement.

Jason Arday was found unconscious at an address in Battersea, south London, on Friday afternoon, writes the BBC. He was later pronounced dead.

The police said in a statement that his death was sudden, but that there is currently no suspicion of foul play.

The family confirmed his death in a statement. As recently as last week, Arday resigned as professor of educational sociology at the University of Cambridge following several plagiarism allegations in his work. Something he himself denied – although he admitted that he had made mistakes.

– The relentless accusations, speculation and public comments have taken a toll on me and those I love, he told the Times in connection with it.

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) accepted Arday's PhD in 2015. Their investigation of his thesis and other journal publications concluded that there was no plagiarism.

Last week, Cambridge University announced that they had opened an investigation into him.

Other claims were also being investigated, including that he ran 965 kilometres in six days and raised millions for charity, writes Sky News.

His family say they are in shock at the sudden death.

– The disinformation campaign became too much for Jason, who was a gentle man who always wanted to see the best in everyone.

Cambridge University's chief academic officer, Deborah Prentice, said she was "immensely saddened" by the news.

- Our deepest condolences go out to Jason Arday's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

Jason Arday would have been 41 years old.