Jason Arday’s family ‘still coming to terms’ with his death

The family of Jason Arday, the Cambridge University professor who died last week, has spoken publicly for the first time about the grief and shock following his passing, describing the “public cruelty” he endured and saying they are still struggling to process what happened.

Family breaks silence at candlelit vigil

Hundreds of people gathered Wednesday evening outside Cambridge’s King’s College for a candlelit vigil in honour of Arday, who had become one of the most prominent Black academics in British higher education. Friends, students, and colleagues stood in near silence as candles were lit and tributes read aloud into the cold night air. The gathering lasted just over two hours.

In a statement released through the university, Arday’s family said they were “overwhelmed” by the outpouring of support but were clear that his final months had been marked by targeted abuse and what they called relentless “public cruelty” directed at him online and in public discourse. They didn’t elaborate further on the specific nature of the abuse, but those close to Arday have previously spoken about the hostility he faced as a vocal advocate for equality in academic institutions.

A life of extraordinary achievement

Arday was 37 years old. He had been appointed as a full professor at Cambridge, one of the youngest ever to hold such a position. He was also the author of multiple books on race and education, and had spoken publicly about his own experiences — including being diagnosed with autism and not learning to read or write until he was 18. His story resonated with millions.

That story, though, also made him a target.

So many who knew him described a man who absorbed enormous pressure with quiet dignity. But colleagues have pointed to a sustained campaign of criticism and online harassment that intensified in the months before his death. The university has not confirmed the cause of death, and Arday’s family has asked for privacy on that matter.

University responds to calls for action

A Cambridge University spokesperson said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Professor Arday and are fully committed to supporting his family, his students, and the wider community during this incredibly difficult time.”

There are now growing calls from academics and equality campaigners for institutions to take stronger steps to protect scholars from public harassment, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds who work in politically contested fields.

What comes next

It’s still unclear what formal steps, if any, Cambridge or other universities will take in response to Arday’s death. Several campaign groups have written to the university’s vice chancellor requesting an urgent meeting within the next 14 days. And more vigils are being planned at universities across the UK in the coming week, including in London, Edinburgh, and Manchester.

His family’s statement ended simply: “We are still coming to terms with this. We ask that Jason’s legacy be one of kindness.”