Inquests have been opened into the tragic deaths of a British couple who were killed in the Lisbon funicular disaster.
Drama teacher William Nelson, 44, and theatre director Kayleigh Smith, 36, from Macclesfield, were among the 16 people who died after a hillside tram in the Portuguese capital derailed and crashed into a building on September 3.
The pair had only arrived in the country for a holiday the day before they lost their lives.
They were passengers on the historic 140-year-old Elevador da Gloria vehicle when the tragedy happened.
Senior Coroner Jacqueline Devonish opened both inquests at Cheshire Coroner’s Court in Warrington on Wednesday, October 22.
During the brief hearing, the couple’s identities were confirmed along with basic details of the circumstances of their deaths.
It was then adjourned for the preparation of reports, and a full inquest for the couple together was later scheduled to take place on May 5, 2026.
Will taught drama at the Arden School of Theatre in Manchester – it was at the theatre school that he met Kayleigh, herself a theatre director.
The last picture of drama teacher William Nelson, 44, and theatre director Kayleigh Smith, 36, before their death in a tram crash
The site of the accident after the Gloria Funicular railway car derailed and crashed in Lisbon, Portugal
The September 3 crash occured when the funicular came off the rails and hurtled into a building, killing 16 people
Will’s funeral was held earlier this month at Wigan crematorium followed by a wake at Whelley Ex-Servicemen’s Club.
Following their deaths, a number of family and friends paid tribute to the couple on social media.
Will’s brother Gareth wrote: ‘Will Nelson 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.’
Kayleigh’s family 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.’
Earlier this week, a preliminary report into the crash was released and detailed a litany of failings.
Portugal’s Air and Rail Accident Investigations Bureau said the underground cable which snapped – which was only installed last year – had never been certified for passenger transportation.
The cable acted as a counterweight between two carriages.
