- Heather Hall, a mother of two and instructor at the College of Charleston, was the only American among the 16 victims of the Glória funicular crash in Lisbon.
- Her death has sparked an outpouring of grief from family, colleagues, and students, who remember her as a passionate educator, tireless advocate, and radiant soul who lived boldly and loved deeply.
The tragic derailment of Lisbon’s iconic Glória funicular has claimed 16 lives, among them Heather Hall—a beloved educator, mother, and advocate from South Carolina. Hall, who taught literacy and special education at the College of Charleston, was in Portugal to speak at a conference when the accident occurred.
Known for her boundless energy and student-centered approach, Hall was a first-generation college graduate who returned to her alma mater to teach and mentor future educators. Her work extended beyond the classroom—she served on Charleston’s disability board and was a vocal champion for inclusion and equity.
Her family described her as someone who built soul-deep connections and made everyone around her feel truly seen. Her greatest pride, they said, was her two children, for whom she wished a life filled with purpose, joy, and adventure.
Hall’s career was marked by global engagement. She was a Fulbright Scholar in Ghana, led study abroad trips to Italy, and had plans to visit Iceland and Belize. Her love of travel was inseparable from her love of teaching—she believed in learning through experience and connection.
The crash, which occurred when a snapped cable sent the upper carriage hurtling into a building at 60 km/h, also injured about 20 people. Victims included nationals from Portugal, Britain, South Korea, Canada, Ukraine, Switzerland, and France. Hall was the only American.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and friends. One described her as “operating outside the algorithm,” a force of nature who defied convention and uplifted everyone she met. Another called her “much too bright a star.”
As investigations continue, Heather Hall’s legacy lives on—in the students she inspired, the communities she served, and the family she loved with all her heart.
