American Killed in Portugal Funicular Crash Identified

Portuguese authorities have identified the American who was killed in a funicular crash near Lisbon earlier this week.

Dr. Heather Hall, an instructor at the College of Charleston, was visiting Portugal to speak at a conference when she rode the iconic Glória Funicular on Wednesday. Hall’s death was confirmed by Fran Welch, dean of the college’s School of Education, where Hall taught courses in the Department of Teacher Education.

The Context

At least 16 people were killed and 21 were injured after the funicular derailed during the evening rush hour on Wednesday and crashed into a building. The Ascensor da Glória connected Lisbon’s Praça dos Restauradores with the Bairro Alto district since 1885.

Emergency crews—including police, firefighters, and paramedics—rushed to the scene, deploying 62 rescuers and 22 vehicles to assist survivors trapped in the wreckage, according to local media reports.

The victims include five Portuguese citizens, three Britons, two Canadians, two South Koreans, one Swiss, one French citizen, and one Ukrainian.

What To Know

Welch said Hall’s death is a profound loss to the institution. “This is a tragic loss for all of us,” Welch said, according to local news station WCIV. “As an alumna of the College (’97) and a dynamic instructor with a specialization in special education, she shared her love of travel with her students.”

The dean’s statement also noted that Hall had been a Fulbright Scholar in Ghana and had led study abroad trips to Italy. “Her energy, kindness and student-centeredness will be deeply missed,” Welch added.

According to her biography on the College of Charleston’s website, Hall earned her doctorate in education from the University of South Carolina before returning to her alma mater where she specialized in literacy and special education. She was also remembered as a trailblazer in the Charleston County School District where she worked for more than two decades.

After the derailment and crash, Lisbon fire brigade commander Alexandre Rodrigues told reporters that emergency services arrived within minutes and managed to extract all victims from the wreckage in just over two hours.

The Ascensor da Glória, inaugurated in 1885 and classified as a national monument, connects Restauradores Square to the Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara in Lisbon’s Bairro Alto neighborhood. Known for its short yet steep ride along a traffic-free road, the funicular is a popular tourist attraction as well as a daily transport link for locals, carrying more than 40 passengers per trip.

“This tragedy…goes beyond our borders,” Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said at his official residence, calling it “one of the biggest tragedies of our recent past.”

The wreckage was cleared overnight and placed under police custody.

What People Are Saying

Dr. Heather Hall’s family said in a statement in part, per WCIV: “Heather Lynn Hall, a beloved daughter, sister, mother, educator, and advocate, passed away doing what she did best — living life fully, boldly, and with a heart wide open to the world. Born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Heather grew up in a home overflowing with unconditional love. That love expanded outward, reaching every corner of her life. She didn’t just have friends—she had soul-deep connections with people who felt truly seen and cherished by her. To know Heather was to be known and loved in return.”

They added: “…Heather’s most cherished role was that of being a mother to two amazing children. She believed in them with all her heart and wanted nothing more than for them to live their lives fully—finding their purpose, trusting themselves, and being open to joy, adventure, and the wild, wonderful possibility of life.

Senator Tim Scott, a South Carolina Republican, wrote on X on Friday: “Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Professor Heather Hall from @CofC. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, colleagues, and students during this difficult time. Professor Hall’s dedication to education and her contributions to our community will be remembered.”

Maria Davis, Hall’s best friend and college roommate, told local news station WCBD: “I’m in shock. It doesn’t seem real. She was such a big part of my life and part of so many people’s lives. I actually had seen the story on the news that night, and I almost texted her, but thought, no, it’s a very small chance it could be her.”

What Happens Next?

The cause of the derailment is not yet clear, with police investigating the incident.

Portugal’s Office for Air and Rail Accident Investigations is expected to release a preliminary report on Saturday.