Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the death of former Cambridge professor Jason Arday as a "tragedy on so many levels," urging a moment of reflection.

Arday, 41, was found dead at an address in Battersea, south London, on Friday afternoon. His death follows a period of intense scrutiny after allegations of plagiarism and questions surrounding some of his academic achievements, which he had denied.

In a statement released by his publisher, Simon Schuster UK, Arday's family expressed their shock at losing "this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son," adding that a "campaign of misinformation had been too much for him."

Education Secretary Lucy Powell stated she was "deeply shocked and saddened," emphasizing that "there are real people with loved ones involved." Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan described Arday as a victim of "unacceptable public hounding and a campaign of abuse," calling his death "a wake up call."

The University of Cambridge vice-chancellor, Professor Deborah Prentice, conveyed the faculty's "desperate sadness" and extended "heartfelt sympathies to Jason Arday's family and friends." A friend, Eamonn McCrystal, who met Arday at St Mary's University, Twickenham, shared that Arday had felt "destroyed" and that his authorization to travel to the US had been revoked. McCrystal remembered Arday as "the nicest person. So kind and such a gentle soul."

Windrush campaigner Sir Patrick Vernon has set up a donation page that has raised over £10,000 to assist Arday's family with funeral costs. Vernon urged for "compassion, dignity and solidarity with a grieving family," stating that "Jason's life was bigger than the controversy that surrounded his final weeks."

A vigil is scheduled for Monday evening on the steps of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, organized by the Stand Up To Racism group. The group's co-convenor, Weyman Bennett, characterized Arday's death as the result of a "racist witch hunt."

Jo Grady, general secretary of the University and College Union, commented that the "level of harassment he suffered and the racism he was subjected to has been sickening and must be investigated."