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Heartbreaking tributes paid to local couple who died following Lisbon funicular crash

So sad.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 8th September 2025

The families of a local couple who died in a fatal funicular crash in Lisbon have now paid heartbreaking tributes to them.

The British citizens, who have been named as 44-year-old William Nelson and 36-year-old Kayleigh Smith, lost their lives when a car of the iconic Ascensor da Glória – which was a funicular connecting Bairro Alto and Restauradores Square – derailed and crashed on last week on 3 September, resulting in a devastating 16 deaths and 23 injuries.

According to authorities, the car at the top of the hill was derailed, and sped ‘uncontrollably’ downhill before crashing into a building near the bottom.

An investigation into the incident was subsequently launched by the Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Accidents in Civil Aviation and Rail (GPIAAF) and Carris, which is Lisbon’s public transport operator.

An initial report by the GPIAAF stated that the cable connecting the two cabins of the Glória elevator broke at its attachment point to the top car, resulting in the crash.

It also stated that the brakeman, who was killed in the crash, had tried to apply the emergency brakes but without success.

Paying tribute to Kayleigh, a family friend 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.”

Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to a local couple who died following Lisbon funicular crash / Credit: Terry Kearney (via Flickr)

Will’s younger brother added in tribute: “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.”

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Their families continue to ask that their privacy be respected during this tragic time.

Featured Image – Cheshire Police