Inquest opened into death of ex-Cambridge professor Arday

The academic faced allegations that he had plagiarized parts of his doctoral thesis and exaggerated some of his personal accomplishments, but he disputed the claims.(AFP) — An inquest into the death of former Cambridge University academic Jason Arday, who was found dead this month amid high-profile plagiarism allegations, opened in London on Wednesday.Arday, 41 — appointed the university’s youngest-ever Black professor in a blaze of publicity in 2023 — was found by family members at his south London home Aug. 14, the inquest heard.His death came just over a week after he resigned from his positions as a Cambridge professor and fellow at Jesus College following announcements by both institutions that they were investigating various allegations against him.It also followed weeks of critical media coverage as U.K. newspapers scrutinized achievements Arday had claimed.The academic faced allegations that he had plagiarized parts of his doctoral thesis and exaggerated some of his personal accomplishments, but he disputed the claims.Some British media outlets and right-wing commentators who seized on the controversy claimed Arday had unfairly benefited from diversity, equity and inclusion policies.He and others alleged the claims stemmed from a racist agenda.In a letter posted online when he resigned Aug. 5, Arday said the move was “the only way” to end a “difficult period,” but should not be “mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me.”Opening the inquest Wednesday at a London coroner’s court, with Arday’s family following online, coroner Julian Morris said Arday had been “pronounced dead” at his home.He noted that London’s Metropolitan Police had confirmed there were no signs of foul play at the scene.The force previously said the death was “being treated as unexpected, but is not believed to be suspicious.”Morris, whose job is to determine the cause and manner of death, said he was awaiting various reports related to the death.The hearing lasted less than five minutes. No date was given for the next hearing.Subscribe to our free newslettersOur weekly newsletter Closing Arguments offers the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world, while the monthly Under the Lights dishes the legal dirt from Hollywood, sports, Big Tech and the arts.Additional Reads