British student bludgeoned to death in Poland
A 21-year-old student bludgeoned to death in Krakow has been remembered as “exceptionally talented” and popular by staff and students at her university.
The body of Kate Zaks, who had joint British and Polish nationality, was found next to a railway embankment in Krakow.
She told her relatives on Friday that she was going out to meet someone but her body was found nearby at 5am the next day.
The second year undergraduate, studying history and philosophy of art at the University of Kent, was due to return to the UK imminently.
‘Hit several times’
Police say it is likely she was hit several times with a hard blunt object.
Krakow police spokeswoman Katarvyna Cislo said: “She had been hit by a hard object on the head. It caused her death.”
Ms Zak’s parents, who live in England, reportedly flew to Poland after hearing of their daughter’s death.
We are in shock. Kate was an exceptionally talented and well-liked student. Dr Grant Pooke, head of history at the University of Kent
Detectives questioned a 30-year-old local man in connection with the incident but later said he was not thought to have been involved.
Local police said British officers were helping them with their investigation.
‘In shock’
Friends of the 21-year-old have left tributes on her Facebook page. In her profile on the site, Ms Zaks spoke of her love of horses and study, adding: “I love my life”.
Dr Grant Pooke, head of history and philosophy of art at the University of Kent, said: “We are in shock here within the School of Arts. Kate was an exceptionally talented and well-liked student in her second year taking a BA Hons degree.
“She had developed a real gift for journalism and writing, having completed an arts review while in Poland. Our thoughts are with Kate’s family and friends.”