Kayleigh Smith, 36, and William Nelson, 44, were concluding their first day of vacation in Portugal’s capital when they decided to take the Gloria Funicular, which tragically became their final journey.
The couple, identified on Saturday, were among the fatalities of the derailment. They are two of the three British victims of the accident. The third was an 82-year-old man whose name was not released.
In what has now become an almost prophetic Instagram post, Kayleigh wrote: “Day 1 in Lisbon: Churches and castles, tiles, and trams.”
In 19 photos shared by the British woman, images of Castelo de São Jorge, metro stations, various Portuguese churches, trams, and even a sunset in the capital can be seen.
Close family friend Lesley Guymer described Kayleigh to The Telegraph as “such a quirky and lovely girl. I’ve known her since she was a teenager.”
“And Will was a magnificent man. Big beard, charming, very, very, very lovely. The whole family was incredible,” she added.
The couple was “very artistic,” and Will was “full of life,” according to Guymer.
The British newspaper also reported that Kayleigh was an arts graduate from Bangor University and completed another course at the Arden School of Theatre in July, where her partner worked as a theatre director.
She previously coordinated a World War II folk play titled ‘Narvik’ and was currently the director of MADS Theatre in Cheshire, England.
A note on the institution’s website describes her as “a dear friend to many who will be deeply missed.”
“Kayleigh was an award-winning director and a nominated actress. She also served in various roles on the MADS technical team and reception. She was vice-president, members’ secretary, and head of technology,” the institution added.
Will also worked as a lecturer at the University of Cumbria before founding the DIY West End Theatre Company in Morecambe, Lancashire, England.
“In the past 10 years, he has researched the connections between radical political and artistic movements, particularly the notion of a British avant-garde,” states an online biographical note.
The couple had been together for six years.
In addition to the three British nationals, victims include five Portuguese, two South Koreans, one Swiss, two Canadians, one Ukrainian, one American, and one French individual.
The accident on the Gloria Funicular in Lisbon resulted in 16 fatalities and over 20 injured of various nationalities. Authorities have officially identified eight of the deceased.
Márcia Guímaro Rodrigues | 08:32 – 05/09/2025
The Gloria Funicular, composed of two motorized and cable-synchronized carriages, derailed around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, August 3.
The Gloria Funicular, a major tourist attraction in Lisbon’s city center, derailed on Wednesday in the worst accident in its nearly 140-year history, causing 16 deaths and over 20 injuries.
Lusa | 17:07 – 05/09/2025
At present, a broken cable is believed to be the cause of the accident, but further clarification is expected on Saturday afternoon with the initial conclusions from the Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Aircraft and Railway Accidents (GPIAAF).
Leia Também: Elevador da Glória sem fiscalização da autoridade de segurança ferroviária
