Theatre director Kayleigh Smith and her partner, Will Nelson, are among the 16 people who died when the Gloria funicular derailed in the centre of Lisbon on Wednesday night
The family of a British couple who tragically lost their lives in the Lisbon funicular crash have expressed their “heartbreak” in a touching tribute.
Kayleigh Smith, a theatre director, and her partner Will Nelson, a lecturer at Manchester’s Arden School of Theatre, were identified as two of the three Britons who sadly died when the popular tourist ride derailed in the heart of the Portuguese capital on Wednesday evening.
The identity of the third British victim remains unknown. In a heartfelt statement issued via Cheshire Police, Ms Smith’s family shared: “Kayleigh was loved by family and friends for her wit and humour, her kind and caring nature came to the fore in her work as a funeral operative.
“She was also a talented theatre director and had just completed a master’s degree. They both leave family and friends heartbroken”, reports the Express.
Mr Nelson’s younger brother expressed his grief, saying: “Words cannot begin to describe how our family and friends are feeling right now but here is the best attempt. This week, due to a tragic accident in Lisbon, Portugal, we lost Will Nelson, who was not just my big brother but everyone’s.
“He was always kind, selfless, and protective and the world does not feel right or normal without him. He was and has always been my hero, and we will miss you always. Love you, rest in peace you legend.”
The devastating crash claimed the lives of 16 people in total. Among the deceased were five Portuguese nationals, two Canadians, two South Koreans, one American, one French, one Swiss and one Ukrainian.
An additional 21 individuals were injured, with five in a serious condition. Mr Nelson “inspired thousands of students across The Arden School of Theatre to pursue their dreams and ambitions”, stated Rachel Curry, principal of UCEN Manchester.
She continued: “Everyone at UCEN Manchester and The Arden School of Theatre have been shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Will Nelson and Kayleigh Smith in the Lisbon tram disaster.
“Will inspired thousands of students across The Arden School of Theatre to pursue their dreams and ambitions during his seven years with us.
“Will had an incredible knowledge of his craft, particularly of playwrights and the history of theatre, being a constant source of rich information on this for students and colleagues. He was a such a positive and committed advocate for developing student talent and supporting his colleagues.
“Kayleigh was one of our mature students who had recently completed a Masters degree with us in pursuit of a career as an aspiring theatre director. She was an extremely talented and enthusiastic student who had a bright future ahead of her. Kayleigh was both incredibly hard working and warm and friendly with her fellow students and staff alike.
“Everyone in UCEN Manchester, and in The Arden School of Theatre in particular, will miss Will tremendously and our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Will and Kayleigh’s families, loved ones and their peers at this tragic time.”
A spokesperson for No 10 has confirmed that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is “deeply saddened” by the tragic loss of three British nationals. His thoughts are with their families and those affected by this terrible incident,” he conveyed.
“We stand united with Portugal during this difficult time.” The Foreign Office has announced it is offering support to the families of the three Brits who tragically lost their lives in the incident.
The Gloria funicular, a historic transport system operating for 140 years, was filled with passengers when it derailed.
Portugal’s prime minister, Luis Montenegro, labelled the incident as “one of the biggest tragedies of our recent past”.
Funiculars, a special type of railway system designed to ferry people up and down steep inclines, are prevalent in hilly regions.
The Gloria funicular, recognised for its two distinctive yellow carriages, runs between Restauradores Square in central Lisbon and the Bairro Alto district, with each trip lasting roughly three minutes.
This electrified system relies on steel cables for operation.
The derailment resulted in one of the carriages colliding with a building at a curve in the road.
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