The families of a British couple killed in Lisbon after a funicular streetcar derailed have paid tribute to them and have said they are “heartbroken”. Kayleigh Smith, 36, and William Nelson, 44, died alongside 14 other people after the Elevador da Glória hurtled down a hill and careered into a building on Wednesday night.
Smith, from Macclesfield in Cheshire, graduated from the Arden School of Theatre in Manchester, where Nelson worked as a theatre director. In a statement issued by Cheshire police, Smith’s family said: “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.”
Nelson’s brother said: “Words cannot begin to describe how our family and friends are feeling right now… 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.”
The accident, described by Portugal’s prime minister as “one of the biggest tragedies in our recent history”, also left 21 people injured, five of whom are in a serious condition. Police said the accident killed five Portuguese citizens, three Britons, two South Koreans, two Canadians, one American, one Ukrainian, one Swiss citizen and one French person. A German citizen thought to have died was located alive in a hospital.
Hours before the crash, Smith posted pictures on Instagram of the couple’s first day in Lisbon. MADS Theatre in Macclesfield paid tribute, saying Smith was “a valued member of our society” and “an award-winning director”. The Portuguese transport union sent condolences, and investigators have not found evidence of sabotage, leaving mechanical failures or maintenance issues among possible causes.
