See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy PA REPORTER Published: 23:17 BST, 26 August 2026 | Updated: 08:51 BST, 27 August 2026
An investigation has been launched into Professor Jason Arday's 'unnatural death' at his home in south London, an inquest heard.Prof Arday was found 'unresponsive' by family members at his home in Battersea, south London, on the afternoon of August 14, London Inner South Coroner's Court heard on Wednesday.Despite resuscitative efforts, he was pronounced dead and the Metropolitan Police said the scene was not suspicious, the inquest was told.The 41-year-old resigned from his post as professor of sociology of education at the University of Cambridge earlier this month after he faced intense scrutiny over accusations of plagiarism.Senior coroner Dr Julian Morris said: 'The initial investigations, whilst I await the various reports, have given me reason to suspect that Professor Arday died an unnatural death 12 days ago.'It therefore follows that I must open an investigation. I will be setting out further directions for the coroner officer.'Members of Prof Arday's family were watching proceedings via videolink, the inquest heard.On Tuesday, his family said they were 'deeply moved by the extraordinary support' they had received after a fundraiser launched in his memory topped £224,000. An investigation has been launched into the death of Professor Jason Arday at his south London HomeSir Patrick Vernon, who played a leading role in the successful campaign to establish a national Windrush Day, set up a GoFundMe crowdfunding page following Prof Arday's death to help support the academic's family – with £224,474 raised through more than 7,900 donations.In a message on the page on Tuesday, Prof Arday's family said: 'We are deeply moved by the extraordinary support we have received.'The response to this appeal reflects the number of people whose lives were touched by our beloved Jason and the affection, respect and admiration in which he was held.'Jason devoted his life and career to advancing education, widening participation, tackling race and inequality, and championing autism and neurodiversity.'It means a great deal to us that so many people wish to celebrate his life and remember the difference he made to others.'We are still grieving the loss of our beloved son, partner, father, brother, uncle and friend. We hope you will understand our need for time and space as we come to terms with this devastating loss and consider how best to move forward.'The fundraiser was closed to donations on Monday at the family's request after passing £224,000, with Sir Patrick saying the funds will go towards providing financial and practical support for the family, as well as meeting funeral and memorial expenses.Sir Patrick was one of several public figures, including Green Party leader Zack Polanski and crossbench peer Lord Simon Woolley, to sign an open letter supporting Prof Arday.Prof Arday's memoir, Great And Unfortunate Things, is due to be published in the UK on Thursday.Simon & Schuster announced on Monday that the book will be released as planned, with his family saying: 'It is only right that we honour his wishes.'Accusations of plagiarism were initially made against Prof Arday, who became Cambridge's youngest black professor in 2023, by academic Nathan Cofnas.Mr Cofnas, who has advocated for 'race realism', was last week suspended from his post at Ghent University.The Belgian university announced a preliminary disciplinary investigation has been launched after saying Prof Arday's death 'should prompt reflection', adding the institution 'opposes discrimination, hatred and racism'.
