A British sociologist, who resigned last week from the University of Cambridge following weeks of public accusations of plagiarism and media scrutiny, was found dead on Friday. Jason Arday, who was 37 when he became Cambridge’s youngest Black professor in 2023, resigned after he came under intense media pressure, with weeks of allegations about plagiarism in his academic work and questions surrounding claims about his athletic and fundraising accomplishments.TheTimes and Telegraph newspapers, along with the BBC and Jattvibe, reported that Arday, 41, was found “unresponsive” inside a home in Battersea, south London, on Friday afternoon.In a statement issued by his publisher Simon & Schuster UK, Arday’s family said they were “in shock to have lost this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son”.“The campaign of misinformation was too much for Jason, who was a gentle man and who always wanted to see the best in everyone,” the family said, adding that, for three years, Arday was “subjected to a campaign of sustained abuse… by those who would leave no stone unturned in their quest to undermine him”.The Metropolitan Police said a 41-year-old man was pronounced dead in Battersea, without naming the man, in accordance with its policy.“At this time, his death is being treated as unexpected, but is not believed to be suspicious,” the police statement said.Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice, who earlier announced that the university would investigate the circumstances around Arday’s employment, said she was “desperately saddened” by the news.“Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time,” she said.In resigning as professor of sociology of education, Arday wrote in a statement that “the relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love”.He said his stepping down should not “be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me”. He has denied plagiarism, but admitted to some mistakes when working on his doctorate.Supporters, including more than two dozen academics and politicians, had described the plagiarism allegations as a “smear campaign” designed to undermine Arday and other Black people who hold “positions of influence”.Arday’s appointment at Cambridge highlighted his personal story of overcoming dyslexia, developmental delays and autism that he said left him non-verbal until the age of 11 and illiterate until his late teens.UK Prime Minister calls for reflectionBritish Prime Minister Andy Burnham called on Saturday for reflection following the death of Black academic Jason Arday, who was accused of plagiarism in a case that has prompted criticism of the University of Cambridge and the media. “It’s a tragedy on so many levels, but particularly … for everybody who knew Jason, his family obviously, his friends,” Burnham told broadcasters. “It’s not a moment for any rushing to judgement. It’s a moment for reflection, I would say, reflecting on how things came to this.”