Family Tributes Scottish Aid Worker Found Dead in Greece Suitcase.
The body of Elisabeth Ross, a Scottish aid worker, was discovered in a suitcase in an abandoned building in Athens on July 18. The 38-year-old had been missing since she was last seen on July 10, prompting concern from friends and her church community.
Ross's family released a statement describing her as "kind, principled, and selfless," highlighting her dedication to helping those in need. They expressed deep pain over the loss of their loved one and asked for privacy during this difficult time.
According to Greek police, Sharif Ahmadzai, 26, an Afghan boxer, has been accused of Ross's murder as well as robbery and weapons offenses. The body was allegedly transported by Ahmadzai in a suitcase to an abandoned site, and the suspect used Ross’s bank cards to withdraw money after her death.
Ross had arrived in Greece on June 26 and stayed with friends in Keratsini until July 10. She reportedly planned to stay with American friends but is believed to have died several days before she was found. Tassone, a friend of Ross from Switzerland, shared that the pair studied together at Youth With A Mission in Switzerland in 2013 and remained close despite their distance.
Tassone described Ross as compassionate towards refugees and women facing abuse, emphasizing her selfless nature. "Thinking my friend is not there anymore is something that is just so painful," Tassone said. "But then afterwards discovering everything that is going on around her story—I'm still processing and I'm still shocked about that."
Ross's friend shared that she had visited other friends in Norway and Denmark, supporting missionaries financially and spending time with their families. "Even to the point that she could sometimes forget about herself because she would spend so much time giving to people," Tassone added.
Destiny Church in Edinburgh, where Ross was a member, also paid tribute to her. The church statement noted that Ross was remembered for her passion to help those less fortunate and her deep sense of calling to challenging places. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lisa's whole family at this time who will be heart broken at the loss of such a beautiful daughter and sister," it concluded.
Sharif Ahmadzai has been jailed until his trial, which could take up to 18 months. He denies the charge of murder but admits moving the body, claiming he did so out of fear of being blamed for Ross's death.
