Jason Arday death: family blame 'campaign of misinformation' after Battersea incident

A 41-year-old man, identified as former University of Cambridge professor Jason Arday, was pronounced dead at a property on Daley Thompson Way, Battersea, on 14 August. The Metropolitan Police were called to the address at 3:12 pm after reports of an unresponsive man. Officers from the Met’s Central South Command Unit are investigating the death, which is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious.

Arday’s family released a statement through his publisher, Simon & Schuster UK, describing him as an 'amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son'. They said he had been subjected to a 'campaign of sustained abuse' and a 'campaign of misinformation' for more than three years, which they blamed for his death. The family asked for privacy and an end to what they called a 'campaign of harassment'.

Tributes and calls for inquiries

University of Cambridge vice-chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice said the institution was 'desperately saddened' by the news. She confirmed that Jesus College had accepted Arday’s resignation from his fellowship and that an independent review of 'all relevant processes' would be conducted. The review will examine the circumstances around his appointment and tenure, as well as the university’s broader processes for senior roles.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell expressed shock at Arday’s death on social media. She wrote, 'I urge people to give them privacy through this incredibly difficult period & to remember there are real people with loved ones involved.' Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy, who represents Clapham and Brixton Hill, criticised the University of Cambridge for its handling of allegations against Arday. She told Sky News the university had 'a lot to bear' for investigating him twice despite exonerating him.

Jo Maugham, executive director of the Good Law Project, said Arday’s death was 'a tragedy for him and those who loved him'. He told Sky News he had been in regular contact with Arday in the weeks before his death and that Arday had expressed fears his life was over. Maugham criticised media outlets for continuing to report on Arday after his resignation, questioning the public interest in doing so.

Background to the allegations

Arday, who became Cambridge’s youngest black professor in 2023, resigned following media reports alleging plagiarism in his PhD thesis and other research. The allegations included claims that he had falsely stated he ran 600 miles in six days and raised £5.5 million for charity. An investigation at Liverpool John Moores University, where he completed his PhD, cleared him of wrongdoing. Durham and Glasgow universities are also investigating the circumstances around his appointments to academic posts.

In an open resignation letter posted on the Good Law Project’s website, Arday said stepping away was the 'only way to bring this chapter to an end'. He denied any loss of faith in scholarship or acceptance of the narratives surrounding him, describing his decision as the result of reaching 'the limits of what any person should reasonably be expected to endure'.

Emergency response

The London Ambulance Service confirmed it was called to Daley Thompson Way at 3:06 pm on 14 August. A spokesperson said multiple resources were dispatched, including an ambulance crew, an advanced paramedic in a fast response car, and members of the Hazardous Area Response Team. Despite their efforts, Arday was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Metropolitan Police said Arday’s next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by officers. A file on the case will be prepared for the coroner, though no date for an inquest has been set.