A South Carolina college instructor and mother of two who loved to travel was identified as the lone American among the 16 dead when an iconic funicular railway derailed in Lisbon, Portugal.
Dr. Heather Hall, an instructor at the College of Charleston, was in Portugal to speak at a conference when she traveled on the iconic Glória Funicular and disaster struck Wednesday.
Hall’s death was confirmed by Fran Welch, the Dean of the School of Education, where Hall taught courses as part of the Department of Teacher Education.
“This is a tragic loss for all of us,” Welch said in an email to students, according to WCIV. “She shared her love of travel with her students. Her energy, kindness and student-centeredness will be deeply missed.”
Hall, a first-generation college student, earned a Bachelor of Science and Distance Education certificate at the College of Charleston before getting her master’s at The Citadel.
She earned her doctorate in education from the University of South Carolina, according to her biography on the school’s website.
Hall returned to her alma mater, where she specialized in literacy and special education at the Charleston school.
Family remembered Hall as a trailblazer for special education in the Charleston County School District, where she worked for over two decades.
“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,” her family told the outlet. “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.
“Above all else, Heather’s most cherished role was that of being a mother to two amazing children,” her family said. “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.
Heartbroken relatives said Hall is leaving behind a legacy of love, courage and joy.
“May we honor her by living as she did—with curiosity, compassion, and open hearts,” the family added.
Longtime friends were left in disbelief at Hall’s death after hearing the news of the deadly derailment.
“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,” Hall’s friend and college roommate, Maria Davis, told WCBD.
“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,” said Davis. She continued to explain she didn’t want to bring down her trip, so she never texted her, but was completely shocked when she received the news the next day.”
Sen. Tim Scott, (R-SC) reacted to Hall’s death 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,” Scott wrote on X.
Hall was among 17 killed — the only American — when the famous cable-pulled tram came off its tracks and crashed into a building.
Officials confirmed the fatalities included five Portuguese nationals, and tourists from Canada, South Korea, France, Switzerland and Ukraine.
The deadly crash left 18 others injured, including a three-year-old child, and sparked the Portuguese government to call for a day of national mourning on Thursday.
“This tragedy … goes beyond our borders,” Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said at his official residence, calling it “one of the biggest tragedies of our recent past.”
Authorities have launched a probe into the mechanical failure of Glória Funicular while local media have cited concerns over recent maintenance schedules.
With Post wires
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