The family of a British charity worker found dead inside a suitcase in Greece has paid tribute to her as a 'kind, principled and selfless' woman. Elizabeth-Jane Ross, 38, from Edinburgh, was discovered in Athens on July 18, three days after she was reported missing from her apartment.
A Life Dedicated to Helping Others
Ross, known as Lisa to her friends and family, had been volunteering with a refugee group in Greece before her disappearance. She arrived in the country on June 26 and stayed with friends until July 10, when she moved into her own flat.
In a statement, her family said: 'Lisa will always be remembered by us as kind, principled and selfless. Her integrity was absolute, and she dedicated her life to helping others in need. We are in deep pain, and we ask for time and privacy as we come to terms with our loss.'
Suspect Charged with Murder
Sharif Ahmadzai, 26, an Afghan boxer, is the prime suspect in the case. He is accused of killing Ross and transporting her body in a suitcase before dumping it. He appeared in court yesterday charged with her murder and is also accused of stealing over €10,000 from her bank account.
Ahmadzai arrived in Greece as a refugee via Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey as a teenager. The case has shocked the local community and raised questions about the safety of aid workers in the region.
Friends and Church Remember Her Compassion
Magali Tassone, 41, met Ross while they shared a room at a missionary organisation in Switzerland in 2013. Speaking to BBC News Scotland, she said her friend had 'deep compassion' for women and refugees surviving abuse, and she wanted to help them. She described Ross's traumatic death as 'terrible' and 'painful.'
Peter Anderson, a pastor at the independent Christian church City on a Hill in Edinburgh, also paid tribute in a social media post: 'We have lost a precious church member, Lisa. She was a member of our church for 20 years, and a very, very precious girl, and it's a real tragic loss. Lisa's life was actually all about mission. She served people and she cared for people all over the world.'
Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The case has drawn attention to the risks faced by volunteers working in refugee camps and the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to helping others. Greek authorities are continuing their investigation, and Ahmadzai remains in custody.
Ross's death has left a void in the lives of those who knew her, but her legacy of kindness and selflessness will not be forgotten. Her family has requested privacy as they mourn, but their tribute serves as a reminder of the impact she had on the world.
