Bakari Henderson, 22, was working on a photoshoot for a new clothing line in Greece, family says
Relatives of an American graduate killed on the Greek island of Zakynthos have expressed shock at his death.
Bakari Henderson, 22, from Texas, was beaten to death after at least 10 people followed him out of a bar following an argument, police said.
Witnesses reportedly told police he angered one of the bouncers when he and his friends tried to take a selfie with a waitress.
Eight people were arrested in connection with the murder, police said.
Six Serbian nationals, a 34-year-old Greek and a 32-year-old British national of Serbian origin were among those arrested.
The suspects, who face charges of voluntary manslaughter, are accused of beating him and leaving him unconscious in the street.
Police said Mr Henderson died from serious head injuries after the incident.
Mr Henderson’s friend Travis Jenkins said it was unlike him to get into a street fight.
“Bakari was not the type to act aggressively like that,” Mr Jenkins said. told ABC News. “He was always the one who was a peacemaker.”
“I think everyone feels the same way.” said Blake McCray, a family friend. “Everyone misses Bakari. He was the life of the party.”
Mr. Henderson graduated last month from the University of Arizona with a degree in corporate finance and entrepreneurship.
His family said they were “devastated” by his death.
“Bakari loved spending time with family and friends, traveling and meeting new people,” a family statement said.
Police arrest at least eight people following American’s death
“He was a big thinker and loved starting new businesses. Bakari was an inspiration to everyone he met.”
The recent graduate was in Greece to work on a photo shoot for a new clothing line, according to his family.
Mr. Henderson’s neighbor, Bill Norton, also said this account was uncharacteristic of Mr. Henderson.
“He didn’t have any of those characteristics that you would think of in terms of bar fights,” Mr Norton said. “You know, that just didn’t fit Bakari’s nature. So I’m just perplexed.”
Mr Henderson’s family are working with the US State Department to recover his body while a GoFundMe page has raised more than $30,000 (£23,295) to cover funeral costs.
