Tragic Lisbon Crash Claims Lives of British Theatre Director and Partner

Mon Sep 15 2025 14:44:01 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The unexpected accident involving the Glória funicular in Lisbon has left a profound mark on the community, particularly with the loss of British theatre director Kayleigh Smith and her partner Will Nelson.

Kayleigh Smith, a British theatre director, and her partner Will Nelson were identified as victims of the Lisbon funicular crash that occurred last Wednesday. The tragedy, which also claimed the lives of several other nationals, has prompted an outpouring of condolences and an investigation into the cause of the derailment. The Glória funicular, a historic transport system in Lisbon, failed while operating, leading to the tragic incident.

Theatre director Kayleigh Smith and her partner Will Nelson, a drama lecturer, have been named as British victims of the Lisbon funicular crash. MADS Theatre in Macclesfield posted a tribute on Friday night acknowledging their deaths, writing that Ms. Smith was 'a dear friend to many and will be greatly missed.'

The Glória funicular, a popular tourist attraction, derailed and crashed into a building on Wednesday, killing 16. Nationals of Portugal, South Korea, Switzerland, Canada, Ukraine, France, and the US are also among the deceased, according to police reports.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his sadness regarding the incident, stating, 'His thoughts are with their families and those affected by this terrible incident. We stand united with Portugal during this difficult time,' as confirmed by a spokesperson. An independent investigation has been launched following the accident.

As the community mourns the loss of life, there is a growing concern regarding public transport safety, especially of the 140-year-old funicular system that has long serviced Lisbon’s steep routes.