Who is Will Nelson? All About Kayleigh Smith’s Partner and Lisbon Funicular Crash Victim

The tragic Lisbon funicular crash on Wednesday evening claimed the lives of 16 people, including three British nationals. Among them were Kayleigh Smith, a respected theatre director from Macclesfield, and her partner Will Nelson, a drama lecturer.

Early Life & Career of Will Nelson

Will Nelson was known in the UK theatre and academic community as a dedicated drama lecturer. While much of his personal life has remained private, he earned recognition among students and colleagues for his passion for drama, teaching, and stagecraft.

Together with Kayleigh Smith, Nelson was closely linked with MADS Theatre in Macclesfield, a long-established theatre group that described Kayleigh as “a dear friend to many and greatly missed.” Will, as her partner, was also part of this supportive creative circle.

Tragic End in Lisbon Crash

On September 3, 2025, Will Nelson and Kayleigh Smith were confirmed among the victims of the Glória funicular derailment in Lisbon, Portugal. The historic funicular, first opened in 1885, went off the rails and crashed into a building near Avenida da Liberdade.

The crash, described by Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro as “one of the biggest human tragedies of our recent history,” left dozens injured and sparked an urgent investigation.

A Life Remembered

While details about Will Nelson’s personal achievements are still limited, tributes highlight him as a supportive partner, mentor, and theatre lover who shared Kayleigh’s dedication to the performing arts. Their sudden loss has left both the theatre community and their families devastated.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his condolences, stating that the government stands united with Portugal in this moment of grief.