The family of a “kind and selfless” Scottish aid worker found dead in a suitcase in Greece have said they are in “deep pain” as they paid tribute to her.
The body of Elisabeth-Jane Ross, known to friends and family as Lisa, was discovered by a homeless man in a derelict building in the Kypseli area of the Greek capital on 18 July.
Afghan boxer Sharif Ahmadzai, 26, has been accused of her murder as well as robbery and weapons offences.
In a statement released alongside a photo of Ms Ross, her family said they will always remember her as “kind, principled and selfless”, adding she “dedicated her life to helping others in need”.
“Lisa will always be remembered by us as kind, principled and selfless,” they said. “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.”
In the picture, Ms Ross appears to be sat on a mountain cross-legged.
Ms Ross’ pastor also paid tribute to her, describing her as a “precious” member of the congregation at City on a Hill, an independent Christian church based in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
“It’s been a really tough week for our church,” Peter Anderson said in a video posted on the City on a Hill’s Facebook page.
“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.”
The pastor described the 38-year-old as having a “big passion” for missionary work.
“Lisa’s life was actually all about mission,” Mr Anderson said. “She served people and she cared for people all over the world.”
Ms Ross, who is understood to be from Edinburgh, entered Greece on June 26 and was initially staying with friends in Piraeus.
She is then said to have gone to meet with American friends in another part of the Greek capital, but it is unclear if this ever happened.
The Hellenic Police said they analysed video footage to identify the suspect, who they allege confessed on Thursday.
Ahmadzai is believed to have put her body into a suitcase, taking it to the abandoned site where it was found.
In the following days he is said to have used her bank card to withdraw money.
A replica pistol and a knife were found at the suspect’s home and police have filed a case against him for manslaughter, robbery and violation of weapons laws.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said earlier: “Our thoughts are with Elisabeth’s family during this difficult time.
“We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson previously said: “We are aware of the death of a Scottish woman in Athens and are liaising with authorities in Greece.
“Officers are providing support to her family in Scotland.”
