Former University of Cambridge professor Jason Arday was found dead at his home in South London last wee
Jason Arday’s friend spoke about the last time he spoke with him(Image: THISMORNING/SCREENGRAB)
Jason Arday’s friend has reflected on his heartbreaking death at the age of 41.
The former University of Cambridge professor was pronounced dead following emergency services being called to an address in London on Friday evening (August 14) after reports that a man was ‘unresponsive’ in the property.
The week prior, he had resigned from his position at the university following allegations of plagiarism, which he denied. On Monday (August 17) morning, Jason’s friend and professor Kehinde Andrews spoke to Good Morning Britain’s Richard Madeley and Ranvir Singh about Jason’s death and their devastating final exchange.
Richard informed ITV viewers that in the wake of his death, there have been calls for a public enquiry into the press, which has been signed by many figures, including Professor Kehinde Andrews.
Speaking to Richard and Ranvir, he explained that the last time he had seen Jason was on the previous Monday, highlighting that when he had seen him, he’d lost weight.
He added: “He was just completely overwhelmed, I think. One of the last texts he said to me was that he just couldn’t see a way out; he couldn’t see a way forward.”
While an official cause of death is yet to be announced, the ITV star noted that people are already making assumptions about how he died.
The guest then reflected on how media and social media coverage had put “so much pressure” on the academic, adding: “Losing his job at Cambridge, having to resign, putting financial pressure on his family. This is somebody who has two children, with one child going into university.
“Imagine all that pressure on you, and you feel stuck and can’t go ahead.”
In a statement issued by his publisher, Simon & Schuster UK, Jason’s family said they are “in shock to have lost this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son”.
The statement said: “Jason was subjected to a campaign of sustained abuse for more than three years since he accepted the role of professor at Cambridge University by those who would leave no stone unturned in their quest to undermine him.
“The campaign of misinformation was too much for Jason, who was a gentle man and who always wanted to see the best in everyone. We are in shock to have lost this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son.”
Good Morning Britain is available to watch weekdays on ITV from 6am