EXCLUSIVE: Originally from Greece, Elvis had been living in Edinburgh for eight years when his life was allegedly cut short in the early hours of the morning, just weeks before Christmas
17:44, 04 Jan 2026Updated 17:56, 04 Jan 2026
Elvis with his mother and father in Edinburgh.(Image: Supplied)
The family of a man who was found dead in his Edinburgh flat the same day he was due to fly home to be with his family for Christmas have paid tribute to a “warm and loving person.”
Elvis Palla, originally from Greece, was found injured in his flat on Gorgie’s Watson Crescent on December 13. Despite the desperate efforts of medics, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Christos Nikiforidis, 34, has since been charged with murder and has appeared in court where he made no plea and was remanded in custody.
Speaking exclusively to Edinburgh Live, Elvis’ heartbroken parents and cousin spoke of gaping hole in their hearts following his heartbreaking death – and how they were just hours from welcoming him home to Greece for the festive period.
The family are now fundraising to bring Elvis’ body back home.
Originally from Greece, Elvis had been living in Edinburgh for eight years when his life was allegedly cut short in the early hours of the morning. He was just 34 at the time of his death and had booked a trip back home to visit his parents.
Now his family, who are desperate to get him home and laid to rest are raising funds to transport his body back to Thessaloniki and to hire a legal team in Scotland so they can fight for justice for their “kind-spirited” son.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, his heartbroken parents said Elvis was a “social and loving person, always bringing smiles and warmth into the lives of those around him.”
They added: “For us, his family, his loss is an immense void, as he was the light of our eyes, our hope, and our pride. His kind spirit and care for others will always remain in our hearts.
“He was not just a dedicated worker, but also a true friend, a young man who always saw the good in people and enjoyed life to the fullest. His absence leaves a deep sorrow, but his memory will always shine as a light guiding our way.”
To raise the money to get Elvis back home, his cousin has set up a GoFundMe page. They’re hoping to raise €10,000.
In a devastating post on the fundraiser, they wrote: “With deep sorrow, we share the tragic loss of our cousin, Elvis Palla. His life was ended , leaving our family heartbroken and searching for answers.
“Elvis was the only child of his parents, their pride, their hope, and the centre of their world. He had already booked his ticket to return home on December 13, to be reunited with his family, we were waiting for him, full of hope and anticipation. Instead, we received the devastating news that no family should ever have to hear.
“Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference for our family. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page, your support in any form truly matters.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, solidarity, and prayers. Elvis deserves justice. His parents deserve peace.”
So far, they’ve received €7,263 from 145 donations. You can donate to Elvis’s family here.