A beloved South Carolina educator’s journey abroad turned tragic when she was among 16 people killed in a cable railway crash in Portugal’s capital.

Dr. Heather Hall, a professor and mother of two from the College of Charleston, was the only American killed in a Lisbon streetcar derailment that sparked national mourning and an international investigation into the cause, as the New York Post reports.

The accident occurred on Sept. 3, when Lisbon’s historic Glória Funicular ran off the tracks and collided with a nearby building. The crash left 16 dead and 18 others wounded, including a toddler. Dr. Heather Hall was riding the funicular after attending a scholarly conference in the city.

Hall was in Portugal to speak at a conference, combining her academic commitments with what friends say was her passion for exploring the world. The Glória Funicular, a 19th-century icon widely popular among tourists, suffered what authorities suspect was a mechanical malfunction. The derailment has triggered questions surrounding maintenance procedures and safety inspections.

She was one of several international tourists who perished in the crash. Victims included citizens from Canada, South Korea, France, Switzerland, and Ukraine, while five of the fatalities were Portuguese locals. The Portuguese government declared Sept. 4 as a national day of mourning, acknowledging the scale of the tragedy.

Cherished teacher, mother, trailblazer mourned

Back home in Charleston, the news of Hall’s death was met with shock and sorrow. Dr. Fran Welch, dean of the School of Education at the College of Charleston, confirmed the death to the college community in an email. “Her energy, kindness, and student-centeredness will be deeply missed,” Welch wrote, describing Hall as a bright and compassionate presence on campus.

According to Hall’s family, she died as she lived -- courageously and with deep passion. They shared memories of a woman whose life was rich with purpose and overflowing with love, both for her children and her broader community. “She believed in them with all her heart,” the family said, referring to Hall’s children, “and wanted nothing more than for them to live their lives fully.”

Her background included a strong personal connection to education. Hall was a first-generation college student who went on to earn degrees from three different South Carolina institutions. She served more than 20 years in the Charleston County School District and specialized in helping students with literacy and special education needs.

Cleanup, probe underway

In response to the crash, Portuguese officials swiftly launched an investigation. Authorities removed one of the funicular cars from the tracks on Sept. 5 to begin examining mechanical causes. Early suspicions point to a possible failure in the braking system or other maintenance oversights.

The Glória Funicular has long been a draw for travelers due to its steep incline and historic significance, ferrying passengers between Lisbon’s downtown and Bairro Alto neighborhood. But the accident has now raised concerns about how regularly the cable cars are inspected and maintained -- particularly given their age and heavy use by tourists.

Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luis Montenegro, called the tragedy “one of the biggest” of recent times. He expressed condolences at his residence, emphasizing that the people who lost came from across the globe. “This tragedy … goes beyond our borders,” he said, acknowledging the international impact.

Shockwaves reach across South Carolina and beyond

In South Carolina, Hall’s death was mourned not only by her students and colleagues but also by elected officials. U.S. Senator Tim Scott issued a statement on Sept. 5, noting that Hall’s dedication to education and service would be remembered. He expressed sympathy for her community of students and family members left behind.

Maria Davis, Hall’s college roommate, struggled to come to terms with the loss. “I’m in shock,” Davis told WCBD. “She was such a big part of my life and part of so many people’s lives,” Davis said. She nearly messaged Hall after first hearing about the crash, but convinced herself it was unlikely to involve her friend.

Hall is remembered not only for her teaching credentials but also for her adventurous spirit. She had traveled extensively, including a 2023 trip to Italy, where she was photographed visiting the Roman Colosseum. Those who knew her say she approached every new place with excitement and curiosity.

Lessons to learn

1. Research transportation safety abroad: Whether traveling for business or pleasure, learning about the safety history of local transport systems -- especially older or iconic ones -- can be a useful, albeit not foolproof, step in travel planning. This includes checking recent news and recognizing the risk associated with aging infrastructure.

2. Public transportation inspections should be transparent: Cities that host millions of tourists annually bear a responsibility to ensure their historic attractions are safe. As travelers, we should encourage countries and tourism industries to prioritize safety over nostalgia. That said, tragic events can happen even under stringent measures.

3. Cherish and communicate with loved ones: Travel often brings us closer to others through shared experiences. Taking time before and during our journeys to stay in touch with family and friends -- even just a message -- can offer both comfort and security. Nonetheless, we must remember that responsibility lies with systemic safeguards, not the individuals affected.

Why this story matters

This tragedy is a sobering reminder of how quickly life can change, even in moments of joy and discovery. It has brought international attention to transit safety standards in historic locations, urging governments to review oversight practices. For South Carolina and beyond, the loss of Dr. Hall is deeply felt in the educational and civic communities she served.

Victims and their families should never be blamed. Safety standards are meant to protect all of us—and when those systems fail, accountability must follow. This story underscores the need for vigilance, care, and compassion at both the local and global levels.