A Cambridge University student awarded a scholarship by British rapper Stormzy has been found dead in his college accommodation after an overdose, according to a coroner’s inquest.
The student, 23-year-old Jordan Keyton, was discovered in his room at Downing College on March 26 after staff raised concerns when he had not been seen for several days. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene, with pill bottles and tablets reportedly found nearby.
Keyton began studying chemistry at Cambridge in 2019 before switching to economics, where he excelled and passed his exams earlier this year. He was also known for his love of music, DJing at the campus radio station while building a close circle of friends at the university.
As a recipient of the Stormzy Scholarship, a program launched in 2018 to support Black students at Cambridge, Keyton received financial aid for his studies. The initiative has so far helped more than 40 students pursue their education at the prestigious institution.
The inquest heard that Jordan had faced ongoing mental health struggles during his time at Cambridge. He first sought help in 2021, took a leave of absence later that year, and was hospitalized in 2022 after a suicide attempt. Though his college offered long-term counseling and support, and he returned to his studies in 2023, his challenges persisted.
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Tributes poured in following his death, with friends and fellow students describing him as “vibrant, kind, and full of promise.” A memorial page celebrated his achievements and looked ahead to what would have been his graduation on July 4.
Jordan’s death has reignited discussions around mental health pressures at elite universities and the need for stronger support systems for students navigating academic and personal challenges.
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