Former Cambridge Professor Found Dead amid Plagiarism Allegations

Jason Arday, a former professor at the University of Cambridge, was found dead on Friday, 14 August, in the Battersea neighborhood of London. According to the BBC, he was 41 years old.

Police described his death as unexpected but, based on findings so far, not suspicious. Arday had resigned just last week from his position as a professor of sociology of education following a wave of plagiarism allegations and questions regarding some of his academic achievements.

He denied the plagiarism allegations, though he admitted to errors in his work. He said that public criticism and personal attacks had taken a heavy toll on him and his loved ones.

After his death, his family said they were in shock and stated that the campaign, which they believed was based on misinformation, had placed too heavy a burden on Arday.

Prior to his death, Cambridge had announced an independent investigation into the circumstances of his appointment. Both the university and British Education Secretary Lucy Powell expressed deep sorrow over his death.

(mja)