The family of former University of Cambridge professor Jason Arday said they are “in shock to have lost this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son”, adding “the campaign of misinformation was too much” for him.
Prof Arday, who resigned following a plagiarism row, was found dead after being found unresponsive inside a property in London.
In a statement issued by his publisher Simon & Schuster UK, Prof Arday’s family said: “Jason was subjected to a campaign of sustained abuse for the more than three years since he accepted the role of professor at Cambridge University by those who would leave no stone unturned in their quest to undermine him.
“The campaign of misinformation was too much for Jason, who was a gentle man and who always wanted to see the best in everyone.
“We are in shock to have lost this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son.
“We won’t comment further at this point beyond asking the press to leave us alone now, and to stop the campaign of harassment which has been waged against Jason and his family for too long.”
Emergency services were called to an address in Battersea, just after 3pm on Friday to reports a man had been found unresponsive inside a property.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene, the Metropolitan Police said.
His death is being treated as unexpected, but is not believed to be suspicious, the force added.
Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell said in a statement: “I’m deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Jason Arday. My heartfelt condolences are with his friends and family at this very sad time.”
Ms Powell, who is also the education secretary, added: “I urge people to give them privacy through this incredibly difficult period & to remember there are real people with loved ones involved.”
Prof Arday had stepped down from his role at Cambridge following media claims that he plagiarised his PhD thesis, completed at Liverpool John Moores University, and additional research.
The professor of sociology of education became Cambridge’s youngest black professor in 2023.
Reports also questioned other assertions made by the academic, including running 600 miles in six days and raising £5.5 million for charity.
An internal inquiry by Liverpool John Moores University cleared Prof Arday of wrongdoing.
Durham and Glasgow universities are reviewing the circumstances around his academic appointments at those institutions.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email [email protected], or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branchIf you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
