The 41-year-old has been found dead at a property in South London, according to reports.
Former University of Cambridge professor Jason Arday has been found dead at a property in South London, according to reports.
Mr Arday, 41, was found ‘unresponsive’ at the scene in Battersea, with police saying his death is being treated as unexpected but is not believed to be suspicious.
The Metropolitan Police said officers attended Daley Thompson Way, in Battersea, where the academic lived, on Friday afternoon.
A statement said: “Police were called by the London Ambulance Service at 15:12hrs on Friday, 14 August following a report that a man had been found unresponsive inside a property on Daley Thompson Way, SW8.
“Sadly, a 41-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.
“His next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.
“At this time his death is being treated as unexpected, but is not believed to be suspicious. The case is being investigated by officers from the Met’s Central South Command Unit. A file will 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.”
Mr Arday stepped down from his role as the University of Cambridge’s professor of sociology of education on August 5 amid accusations of plagiarism. He had been the university’s youngest ever black professor.
His resignation came just hours after Cambridge announced an investigation examining his appointment and tenure at the university.
In a statement, University of Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice said: “We are desperately saddened to hear this tragic news. Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
Prof Arday quit following a series of media reports alleging he plagiarised his PhD thesis – completed at Liverpool John Moores University – and other research.
Further questions were asked in the press about the truth of other claims he made, including saying he ran 600 miles in six days and that he had raised £5.5 million for charity.
An investigation at Liverpool John Moores University cleared Prof Arday of wrongdoing.
Durham and Glasgow universities are investigating the circumstances around Prof Arday’s appointment to academic posts there and Cambridge’s Jesus College accepted his resignation from his fellowship.
Prof Arday said in his open resignation letter that the “only way to bring this chapter to an end is to step away”. Over the weekend, he cancelled events promoting his forthcoming memoir.
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