UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for reflection following the unexpected death of former Cambridge professor Jason Arday, who died at the age of 41.
Arday was found unresponsive at a property in Battersea, south London, on Friday, August 14. Police said his death was unexpected but not believed to be suspicious, with a report being prepared for the coroner.
Speaking to broadcasters on Saturday, Burnham described Arday’s death as “a tragedy on so many levels”, particularly for his family, friends and those who knew him.
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The Prime Minister urged people not to rush to judgment over the circumstances surrounding Arday’s death, saying it was instead a moment to reflect on “how things came to this.”
Arday, who became Cambridge’s youngest Black professor, had resigned from the university on August 5 amid intense scrutiny over allegations concerning his academic work. He denied plagiarism allegations while acknowledging some mistakes. Cambridge had also announced an investigation into his appointment and academic work.
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His family has criticised what it described as a sustained campaign of misinformation and harassment against Arday and his family.
The circumstances of his death remain under investigation, and authorities have not established a cause of death
