Elisabeth-Jane Ross, a 38-year-old Scottish woman whose body was discovered inside a suitcase in Athens, has been remembered by her local church community for her dedication to helping vulnerable people. Ross, also known as Lisa, was a member of Destiny church in Edinburgh, where pastors and congregation members paid tribute to her commitment and compassion.

Her body was found on July 18 in a derelict building in the Kypseli district of Athens by a homeless man. Greek authorities identified Ross through fingerprint analysis, and following a review of surveillance footage, a 26-year-old man named Sharif Ahmadzai was arrested in connection with her death. Ahmadzai, reported to be a boxer who left Afghanistan after being orphaned as a teenager, is scheduled to appear in court.

Pastors Andrew and Sue Owen of Destiny church described Ross as having an “unstoppable passion” for aiding those less fortunate, which often led her into challenging situations. “Lisa was determined not to leave this world the same way she found it,” they said, offering condolences to her family who have lost a beloved daughter and sister.

Investigators believe Ross died between five and seven days before her body was found. There were reports that someone used her mobile phone to send messages after her death. Authorities in Greece stated that the suspect allegedly confessed last week to placing Ross’s body into a suitcase and transporting it to the abandoned site where it was discovered.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office expressed condolences and confirmed it was providing consular assistance to Ross’s family while maintaining contact with Greek officials. Police Scotland also confirmed their awareness of the case and said they are cooperating with Greek authorities and supporting Ross’s family in Scotland.