A fundraising effort for the family of former Cambridge professor Jason Arday has generated more than £75,000, according to reports. The fund, established by Windrush campaigner Sir Patrick Vernon, is intended to cover funeral expenses and has received over 2,500 donations.

Sir Patrick described Arday as a "pioneering academic" and initiated the page to support Arday's family during a "difficult time." A flag was flown at half-mast outside Jesus College, where Arday was employed, and flowers were placed as tributes.

Arday, who became Cambridge's youngest Black professor at age 37 in 2023, resigned earlier this month. His resignation followed accusations of plagiarism. He was found dead at his home in Battersea, southwest London, on Friday, shortly after informing a colleague he "could not go on."

Sir Simon Baron-Cohen, a professor and director of the Autism Research Centre, told the BBC that Arday was experiencing "relentless scrutiny" and ridicule, which he was not coping with. Arday had denied the plagiarism claims and cited "unrelenting public scrutiny" as his reason for stepping down on August 5.

In his resignation letter, Arday stated the personal cost of the controversy had become "too great" and was affecting those close to him. Cambridge University and Jesus College had launched investigations into Arday's academic qualifications after "new information" emerged. Recent criticism also targeted his memoir, in which he claimed to be non-verbal until age 11, a statement challenged by former classmates.

A vigil organized by the campaign group Stand Up To Racism is scheduled for Monday evening in Trafalgar Square, central London. Prime Minister Andy Burnham described Arday's death as a "tragedy on so many levels" and urged reflection rather than immediate judgment.

Arday's publisher, Simon & Schuster UK, released a statement Friday from his family expressing shock at the loss of their "amazing father, partner, brother, uncle, and son." They stated Arday endured a "campaign of sustained abuse" and "misinformation" that became overwhelming for him.

Shadow communities secretary Sir James Cleverly remarked on the tragedy, stating that Arday appeared to be a "vulnerable fantasist." He suggested that individuals at academic institutions had serious questions to answer regarding Arday's appointment and the spotlight placed upon him, implying it was for institutional benefit rather than his readiness. Cleverly suggested his downfall was inevitable under the circumstances.