Stormzy Scholarship Student at Cambridge University Passes Away After Mental Health Struggles

A 23-year-old Cambridge University student, Jordan Keyton, who had previously won the prestigious Stormzy Scholarship, has tragically died after an overdose of antidepressants in his college accommodation.

Jordan, who joined Downing College in October 2019 to study Chemistry, was one of the early recipients of Stormzy’s scholarship initiative, launched in 2018 to support Black students at Cambridge. The program has since helped more than 40 students by providing financial aid and educational support.

During his time at the university, Jordan was celebrated for his academic drive and resilience. However, his studies were interrupted in 2021 when he took a period of leave due to ongoing mental health challenges. He had been receiving care from a psychiatric team in Southampton before returning to college later that year.

On March 26, 2025, Jordan was found lifeless in his university accommodation after staff conducted a welfare check, having not seen him for several days. Multiple tablets were discovered at the scene, and paramedics confirmed his death upon arrival.

Elizabeth Gray, the area coroner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, concluded that Jordan’s death was caused by an overdose of antidepressants.

“There is no evidence to determine whether this overdose was intentional or accidental.” She said

“Mr Keyton appeared to be doing well until January 2022, when he attempted to take his own life.

“He was hospitalised and was given another opportunity to have a break from college. Mr Keyton did not want to take a break however this was required by Downing College to take a break from his studies.

“Prior to Mr Keyton’s return, Downing College and Cambridge University funded long term period of specialist counselling for Mr Keyton.

“Mr Keyton returned to university around end of January 2023. He sat his exams in May but didn’t pass. College applied for an appeal for him to continue studying, which was successful. He also decided that he no longer wanted to continue his chemistry studies so he changed to study economics.

“Mr Keyton’s economics course seemed to be going very well, and he took his passed his exams successfully in October 2024.”