Former University of Cambridge professor, Jason Arday, passed away at the age of 41 on Friday evening. The death comes a week after his controversial resignation over accusations of plagiarism in his PhD thesis.
A spokesperson of the London Metropolitan Police said that Arday was found unresponsive by officers at his home in Battersea, London. The death was described as “unexpected but not suspicious.” A cause of death has not been announced.
Jason Arday was an eminent figure in British academia. When he was appointed at Cambridge following stints at the Glasgow and Durham universities, he became the youngest-ever Black professor in Cambridge history. As someone with autism who struggled with speaking till he was 11, Arday’s story has been inspirational to many.
The unexpected death at the age of 41 – just three years after his Cambridge appointment- has sparked an interest in his family. Jason Arday was married and had two children. In this article we will delve deeper into what is known about Jason Arday’s family.
Also read: Jason Arday cause of death: What happened to Cambridge University’s youngest ever Black professor?
Who Is Debbie McKenzie, Jason Arday’s wife?
Jason Arday met Debbie-Ann McKenzie when he was 18 and worked alongside her at a sporting goods store in South London. They got married in 2014, a 2023 News24 profile revealed. Arday has spoken about his wife’s crucial role in his life and career.
As is well documented, the late professor, diagnosed with autism at a young age, was unable to read or write till he was 18. She taught Arday phonics and helped him learn to read. Though Debbie-Ann McKenzie does not have a public profile, she was mentioned in the foreword to Arday’s book, “Dismantling Race in Higher Education”, as “my beautiful wife Debbie-Ann.” Arday also mentioned their children, Taylah and Noah, alongside her.
His recent memoir “Great and Unfortunate Things” documents the role of Debbie-Ann in greater depth. He revealed that it was Debbie who introduced him to phonics, helping him begin the process of learning to read.
The News24 profile also published a wedding photo of Jason and Debbie-Ann.
Also read: Cambridge probes plagiarism claims against professor
Cambridge University Reacts To Death
University of Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice said the university reacted to the death saying that the entire Cambridge community is saddened by the “tragic news.”
“We are desperately saddened to hear this tragic news,” she told the press. “Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time
