Families of British couple killed in Lisbon funicular crash say they are 'heartbroken'

The families of the British couple killed in the Lisbon funicular crash have said they are "heartbroken" as they paid tribute to them.

Kayleigh Smith, 36, and William Nelson, 44, died alongside 14 others in Wednesday's incident, including another British victim who has not yet been named. Ms Smith graduated from the Arden School of Theatre in Manchester, where Mr Nelson ran the master's degree in directing.

In a statement shared by Cheshire Police, Ms Smith'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." Mr Nelson's younger brother, who was not named in the statement, added: "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." MADS theatre in Macclesfield, Cheshire, said Ms Smith was a "valued member of our society" who will be "greatly missed". It said she was an award-winning director and actress, who had also done multiple crew and front-of-house roles.

Macclesfield MP Tim Roca paid tribute to Ms Smith, saying she was a "hugely talented theatre director" who "poured her creativity, energy and kindness into every production". Mr Nelson was "equally dedicated to nurturing creativity and inspiring the next generation" and "his loss will be felt deeply by colleagues and students alike.