Lisbon is in mourning after a devastating accident on the city’s historic Gloria funicular, which derailed on Wednesday evening.
Among the victims were two beloved British nationals, theatre director Kayleigh Smith, 36, and her partner Will Nelson, 44, a lecturer at Manchester’s Arden School of Theatre.
The pair, who were on a short city break, are being remembered for their immense talent and generosity within the theatre community.
An 82-year-old British man also died in the crash, though his identity has not yet been released.
Heartfelt Tributes Pour In
Family and friends have shared touching tributes for Kayleigh and Will, describing them as selfless, kind, and deeply committed to inspiring others.
Cheshire Police shared a statement from Ms. Smith’s family, saying:
“Kayleigh was loved by family and friends for her wit and humour.
Her kind and caring nature shone through in everything she did, from her work as a funeral operative to her award-winning theatre projects.
She had just completed her Master’s degree, and her loss leaves a huge void in our lives.”
Will Nelson’s brother added:
“Words cannot capture how our family feels. Will was not just my brother but everyone’s. He was kind, selfless, and protective.
The world doesn’t feel right without him. He was my hero, and we will miss him forever. Rest in peace, legend.”
Confusion Amid the Chaos
The tragedy was compounded by a heartbreaking case of mistaken identity.
Portuguese news outlets reported that Mr. Nelson may have initially been confused with a German father of a three-year-old child who was also on the funicular.
The man, first declared dead, was later found recovering in Lisbon’s Sao Jose Hospital.
At the time of the crash, Mr. Nelson was wearing a Schalke 04 football shirt, which may have contributed to the mix-up.
Community and Political Reactions
Tributes have also poured in from the wider community.
Macclesfield MP Tim Roca expressed his condolences:
“I was deeply saddened to learn that Kayleigh Smith and Will Nelson, two cherished members of our community, were among those who lost their lives.
Kayleigh’s creativity and kindness enriched every MADS Theatre production, and Will inspired countless students at Arden School of Theatre. Their loss will be felt by many.”
MADS Theatre shared a statement highlighting Kayleigh’s contributions as a director, actress, and devoted friend, calling her passing “a sad loss to all of us at the theatre.”
A Final Glimpse
Hours before the crash, Kayleigh shared photos from their first day in Lisbon, capturing the city’s iconic churches, castles, tiles, and trams.
Now, those joyful memories stand in stark contrast to the heartbreak that followed.
Details of the Crash
The Gloria funicular, which has served Lisbon for 140 years, derailed shortly after 6 pm on September 3.
One carriage crashed into a building during the bend, injuring 21 people—five seriously—and killing 16, including five Portuguese nationals, two Canadians, two South Koreans, one American, one French, one Swiss, and one Ukrainian.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro called the accident “one of the biggest tragedies of our recent past.”
Authorities say a cable may have come loose, though the funicular had passed a maintenance check just nine hours before the derailment.
A full police report is expected within 45 days.
Mourning and Support
A somber Mass was held at Lisbon’s Church of Saint Dominic to honour the victims.
In the UK, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his condolences, while the Foreign Office confirmed it is supporting the families of the three British victims.
Meanwhile, the German family affected by the misidentification has flown to Lisbon to care for their three-year-old child.
They only discovered the error upon arriving in the city, highlighting the confusion and heartbreak surrounding the disaster.
Remembering a Legacy
For Kayleigh Smith and Will Nelson, the tragedy is a profound loss to friends, family, students, and the theatre community.
Their dedication to creativity, mentorship, and love for life will continue to inspire those who knew them, even as Lisbon comes to terms with one of its darkest days.