What was supposed to be a celebratory time for a Black American college grad ended in tragedy, as he was beaten to death by a mob outside a popular bar in Greece.
Bakari Henderson, a 22-year-old recent graduate from the University of Arizona, was pronounced dead early Saturday outside Bar Code in Laganas, an area on the island of Zakynthos, popular for tourists. Police have arrested at least eight people.
Primary suspects in the violent attack include a 34-year-old Greek bartender and a 32-year-old British bartender, who are now facing murder charges. Officers arrested another six Serbian tourists they suspect in the fatal battery after viewing video footage of the fight, police told “ABC News.”
According to media reports from Greece, the fight started after a man from a group of Serbians walked up to a group of Americans that included Henderson and broke a glass on their table. One of the Americans then reportedly grabbed the 32-year-old Serbian and punched him, which is believed to have sparked the massive bar brawl.
According to the reports, Henderson was surrounded by ten people during the brutal brawl and died from serious head injuries.
Police have yet to reveal a motive in the attack, but told the news station the beating involved two groups of people — including both bar staff and those hanging around the facility.
Mayor of Zakynthos Pavlos Kolokotsas said both parties had been drinking heavily and that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins offered his condolences to Henderson’s loved ones.
Henderson studied business administration and sports management and graduated from the university in May.
His family said he was in Greece working on a photo shoot to launch his fashion line, according to a statement obtained by the Austin Statesman.
“Bakari loved spending time with family and friends, traveling and meeting new people,” the family said in a statement. “He was big thinker and enjoyed coming up with new business ventures.”
