A crowdfunding platform, GoFundMe, set up for the family of the late ex-Cambridge University’s youngest Black professor, Jason Arday, has reached £90,642 of £110,000 target as of the time of this report.

Mr Arday, accused of plagiarising his academic work and exaggerating his achievements, was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead at an apartment in London on Friday.

The academic’s death followed his resignation on August 5 after Cambridge announced that the institution would investigate him over new information that put his “academic qualifications and honorary appointments” in a new light.

The deceased’s family expressed shock over his death, adding that Mr Arday was subjected to a campaign of sustained abuse for more than three years since he accepted the role of professor at the institution by those who hell-bent on undermining.

Following his death, Patrick Vernon, a British cultural historian of Jamaican heritage and pro chancellor for Wolverhampton University, established the GoFundMe to support the deceased’s family with funeral and associated costs.

“Those who knew Jason have described him as a gentle soul. Today, my thoughts are first and foremost with his family as they experience unimaginable grief.

“I have therefore established a GoFundMe appeal to help Jason’s family with funeral, memorial and associated costs,” Mr Vernon stated on Saturday.

The historian, who highlighted his previous efforts in crowdfunding, noted that there would be a time to reflect about Mr Arday’s experiences.

“I have previously helped establish bereavement and funeral funds, including the Majonzi Fund during COVID-19 and support for families affected by the Home Office Windrush Scandal. I know how how important practical and financial solidarity can be when families are dealing with sudden loss.

“There will be a time for serious reflection about Jason’s experiences and the responsibilities of the academia, institutions, journalism and social media. Accountability must never mean abandoning compassion, dignity or our shared humanity. For now, let’s support Jason’s family in their hour of need and celebrate his life and achievements,” he added.

Meanwhile, UK prime minister Andy Burnham on Saturday called for reflection after Mr Arday’s death.

“It’s not a moment for any rushing to judgment. It’s a moment for reflection, I would say, reflecting on how things came to this,” Mr Burnham said.

While Mr Arday’s case was being investigated by officers from the Metropolitan’s Central South Command Unit, several people, including the deceased’s friends, called for a public inquiry into media coverage surrounding the former Cambridge professor before his death.