Former University of Cambridge professor Jason Arday, who resigned last week amid allegations of plagiarism, has been found dead at his home in south London. Arday, 41, was found “unresponsive” at an address in Battersea on Friday afternoon, emergency services said.

The Metropolitan Police said officers were called by the London Ambulance Service shortly after 15:00. A police spokesperson said: “A 41-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers. “At this time his death is being treated as unexpected, but is not believed to be suspicious. The case is being investigated by officers from the Met’s central south command unit. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”

Cambridge vice-chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice said the university was “desperately saddened to hear this tragic news”. “Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time,” she said.

Arday was appointed professor of sociology of education at Cambridge in 2023, becoming the university’s youngest ever black professor.

He resigned last week following allegations of plagiarism and questions over some of the achievements described in his work. He denied plagiarism but acknowledged errors.

In a statement announcing his resignation, Arday said becoming a Cambridge professor had been “the greatest professional privilege of my life”. He said the “relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary” had taken “a profound toll” on him and those he loved.

“While criticism is an inevitable part of academic life, what I have experienced has gone far beyond scholarly disagreement,” he said. “The personal cost of this scrutiny has become too great.”

He added that his resignation should not “be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me”.

The controversy began after Nathan Cofnas, a former Cambridge academic who describes himself as a “race realist”, alleged that he had found numerous instances of plagiarism in Arday’s work and questioned some of his stated achievements. Cofnas was dismissed from his Cambridge role in 2024.

The allegations prompted debate over Arday’s treatment. Some critics argued that the scrutiny had been motivated by racism, while others said the plagiarism allegations were legitimate.

Cambridge announced last week that it would investigate Arday’s appointment and tenure. The findings are expected to contribute to a wider review of the university’s hiring process for senior academic positions.

Arday’s autobiography was published in the US this week by an imprint of Simon & Schuster. The publisher had said it planned to proceed with its UK publication later this month.