July 8 (UPI) — An American man who had recently graduated from college was beaten to death during a bar brawl in Greece.
Bakari Henderson, a 22year-old graduate of the University of Arizona, was attacked by a group of men while at a bar with friends Friday in Zakynthos, a Greek island popular with tourists. At least one bar customer approached Henderson and a fight ensued.
According to Greek news reports, surveillance video shows that the fight continued outside the premises, where several other people, including bar employees, beat on Henderson while he was unconscious.
It is not clear what caused the fight, but police have arrested 10 people, including a 32-year-old Serbian man and a 34-year-old Greek man.
“We are in communication with authorities and providing consular assistance to the deceased citizen’s family,” said a U.S. State Department official, according to the Washington Post. “We offer our sincerest condolences to family and friends, and out of respect for the family during this difficult time, we have no further comment.
Henderson, who was originally from Austin, Texas, graduated with a degree in business and finance on May 17, 2017.
His family said he was in Greece to do a photo shoot to launch a new clothing line.
“Bakari loved spending time with family and friends, traveling, and meeting new people,” Henderson’s family said in a statement to KXAN. “He was a big thinker and enjoyed coming up with new business ventures. Bakari was an inspiration to all he met. He loved life and lived it to the fullest.”
The death of Henderson, who was a former intern with the Texas Legislature, prompted reactions from Arizona politicians.
“Tragic news. My prayers go out to Bakari’s family. In touch w/ @StateDept to make sure his friends get home safely,” tweeted Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.).
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of Bakari Henderson, whose life was senselessly and brutally cut short this weekend,” said Martha McSally (R-Ariz.). “The loss of our recent University of Arizona graduate is truly tragic and shocking, and I offer my deepest condolences to all who knew him.”
