Politicians and academics have expressed sorrow following the sudden death of Jason Arday, a former professor of sociology of education at Cambridge University. Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the event as a "tragedy on so many levels" and called for "a moment for reflection."

Arday, 41, was found unresponsive at his home in Battersea, south-west London, on Friday afternoon. Police stated his death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious. The news followed a period of intense scrutiny regarding Arday's academic qualifications and past work.

Cambridge University announced it had initiated an investigation into "new information about Mr. Arday's academic qualifications and honorary appointments." Jesus College, where Arday was a fellow, also launched its own inquiry. The allegations, which had been circulating in academic circles, primarily focused on potential plagiarism in his doctoral research. While Liverpool John Moores University, which awarded Arday his doctorate, had previously investigated and found the qualification still stood, passages from his PhD were shared online last month, reigniting the debate and prompting a review of his other academic work and previous university positions.

Arday had resigned from his Cambridge post on August 5, citing the "toll on him of the relentless allegations." In a resignation letter, he stated, "This is not the end of my work. It is just the end of this chapter. I need time to heal and to simply be myself again and when that time comes, I will return."

Sir James Cleverly, Shadow Communities Secretary, commented that Arday's death was tragic and expressed anger, stating that institutions had placed him in positions for which he was not qualified, potentially for their own benefit. Conversely, others have accused critics of racism, suggesting Arday would not have faced the same level of examination if he were white.

Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, a colleague and director of Cambridge's Autism Research Centre, revealed that Arday had sent him a voice note on the morning of his death stating, "I just cannot go on." Baron-Cohen added that Arday was "not coping" with the loss of his career and reputation following his resignation. He characterized Arday as a "vulnerable autistic man" who was kind, gentle, caring, and generous. Baron-Cohen also suggested that former Cambridge professor Nathan Cofnas had re-opened allegations by posting passages from Arday's PhD online, accusing Cofnas of using Arday as a means to examine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies.

In a statement, Arday's family expressed shock at their loss but accused his critics of "abuse" and a "campaign of misinformation." Arday's publisher, Simon & Schuster UK, also conveyed their condolences.

Cambridge University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Deborah Prentice, stated that the faculty was "desperately saddened" and extended sympathies to Arday's family and friends. Education Secretary Lucy Powell also shared her shock and sadness, urging remembrance of the human element involved.