Two British tourists who worked in theatre have been identified by their families as among the three British nationals killed when a tram derailed in central Lisbon on Wednesday night.
The victims were named as theatre director Kayleigh Smith, 36, and her partner, Will Nelson, 44, a lecturer at Manchester's Arden School of Theatre. An 82-year-old British man who also died in the incident has not been publicly named.
In a statement issued through Cheshire Police, Ms. Smith’s family said she was "loved by family and friends for her wit and humour" and that "her kind and caring nature came to the fore in her work as a funeral operative." The statement added that she was "also a talented theatre director and had just completed a Master's Degree." The family said the couple "leave family and friends heartbroken."
Friends and colleagues described the pair as active members of the theatre community who were "hugely talented" and dedicated to "inspiring the next generation." Tributes shared by those who knew them remembered their commitment to teaching and community work.
Police in Cheshire confirmed the identities of Ms. Smith and Mr. Nelson to bereaved relatives and assisted with liaison, while Portuguese authorities continue to deal with the scene in Lisbon. The derailment occurred on a tram route popular with tourists in the Portuguese capital on Wednesday evening. Local emergency services responded to the incident and inquiries are ongoing.
Mr. Nelson taught at Manchester's Arden School of Theatre, where students and staff expressed shock and sorrow at his death. Ms. Smith had recently completed postgraduate study and combined her theatrical work with duties as a funeral operative, according to the family statement.
The incident has prompted an outpouring of condolences from the theatre sector and those who worked with the couple. Family statements described both victims as selfless and devoted to mentoring young performers and students. The identities of other victims and the full circumstances of the derailment have not been released publicly as investigations continue.
Authorities have not yet announced a timetable for the release of a full list of casualties or for a formal update on the cause of the derailment. In the meantime, relatives and friends have held private tributes and are making arrangements while awaiting further information from officials.