Manchester teacher Will Nelson, 44, and his partner Kayleigh Smith, 36, died in Lisbon
The grieving family of a couple killed in the Lisbon funicular disaster have paid moving tributes to the pair to mark the first anniversary of the tragedy which claimed 16 lives.
Drama teacher Will Nelson, 44, and his budding theatre director partner Kayleigh Smith, 36, from Macclesfield, died when the Glória hillside tram in the Portuguese capital derailed and crashed into a building on September 3 last year.
Kayleigh was ‘the happiest she had been’ as she overcame ADHD and was poised to start a new career as a professional theatre director. Will taught drama at the Arden School of Theatre in Manchester where he met Kayleigh.
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They were passengers on the historic 140-year-old Elevador da Gloria vehicle when the collision occurred. Portugal’s Air and Rail Accident Investigations Bureau has said the underground cable which snapped was acquired only the year before and had never been certified for passenger transportation. The cable acted as a counterweight between two carriages.
Kayleigh’s family, who were today attending a memorial event in Lisbon, said in a statement: “The last 12 months have been incredibly difficult for a lot of people connected with Kayleigh. Kayleigh and Will have left a huge void in our lives that cannot be filled and we will forever be reminded of that.
“We are all so proud of her which makes it harder. She had just passed her master’s degree, with distinction, at the Arden School of Theatre in Manchester two weeks before the crash and was destined for a successful career as a professional theatre director having already won many awards and nominations during her theatre life.
“She battled with undiagnosed ADHD all through her life until her eventual diagnosis in 2022 yet remained defiant and still achieved so much. She was a shining light and inspiration for the many people she helped and encouraged.
“At this point, she was the happiest she had ever been, and when she travelled with Will to Lisbon, they had many exciting plans for when they returned.
“The love and support for us all has been overwhelming and we wish to thank our families, friends, professional bodies, and everybody in Kayleigh’s world.
“Our thoughts go out to all the families who have suffered as a result of this tragedy, the people of Kayleigh’s hometown of Macclesfield, and to the people of Lisbon. All the World’s A Stage – Shakespeare.”
Will’s brother, Gareth, also paid tribute to Will: “This has been the most difficult year of my life. A living hell is the best description. It is still difficult to put into words how much Will is missed.
“What I have learnt ever since this began a year ago is how much he meant not just to our family but to everyone who knew him. I know of so many occasions when friends and acquaintances have said when Will helped them, fought in their corner and unselfishly gave his time to help anyway he could. He and Kayleigh loved their theatre work and to hear that their legacy will be honoured in multiple ways in multiple places fills we with pride that you wouldn’t believe.
“I often think to myself what would he say about the change of political landscape, the football, the wrestling. I miss his booming voice, his burning intellect and wish I could have one more video game session or one more discussion. He was my big brother and idol, and I hope I can carry on his life mission to look after others.”
The third British victim of the crash has been named as Andrew David Kenneth Young, 82, a transport enthusiast from Holyhead, Anglesey.
Rebecca Gilmore, senior associate at law firm Hugh James, is supporting the families of all three.
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