Families of British couple killed in Lisbon funicular crash ‘heartbroken’ after deaths

The families of a British couple who died in the Lisbon tram train crash have said they are ‘heartbroken.’

William Nelson and Kayleigh Smith died with 14 other people when the popular funicular train Elevador da Glória crashed into a building in the Portuguese capital on Wednesday.

A third British tourist is among to dead, and is thought to be a 82-year-old man.

William, 44, known as Will to his family, was a programme director at the Arden School of Theatre in Manchester.

Kayleigh, 36, had graduated from the school with a master’s degree in directing, and was working as a funeral operative before the fatal crash.

Now their devastated families have paid tribute to their loved ones, who died on their dream holiday.

Kayleigh’s family said in a statement issued by Cheshire Police: ‘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.’

William’s little brother said: ‘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.’

It is understood that William may have been confused with a German man, who was mistakenly reported as dead, because he was wearing a Bundesliga team shirt.

The couple are thought to have been together for the past six years, according to Smith’s social media.

Her last Instagram posts show scenic pictures taken in Lisbon just moments before the crash, showing the couple smiling happily.

Another picture featured one of the city’s many trams trundling on the street.

More information is emerging about the more than a dozen victims of the funicular tragedy.

Some of the latest people to be named are a couple from Quebed, Canada, who were reportedly celebrating a birthday in Portugal, according to the Portuguese daily Correio da Manha.

The Canadian couple were named as Blandine Daux and André Bergeron.

The couple had been on the trip to celebrate André’s 70th birthday and his retirement, and they were on the penultimate day of the vacation when the crash happened.

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