A South Carolina school teacher and mom of two who cherished to journey was recognized because the lone American among the many 16 lifeless when an iconic funicular railway derailed in Lisbon, Portugal.
Dr. Heather Corridor, an teacher on the School of Charleston, was in Portugal to talk at a convention when she traveled on the enduring Glória Funicular and catastrophe struck Wednesday.
Corridor’s dying was confirmed by Fran Welch, the Dean of the College of Schooling, the place Corridor taught programs as a part of the Division of Trainer Schooling.
“This can be a tragic loss for all of us,” Welch mentioned in an electronic mail to college students, in response to WCIV. “She shared her love of journey along with her college students. Her vitality, kindness and student-centeredness will likely be deeply missed.”
Corridor, a first-generation school scholar, earned a Bachelor of Science and Distance Schooling certificates on the School of Charleston earlier than getting her grasp’s at The Citadel.
She earned her doctorate in schooling from the College of South Carolina, in response to her biography on the varsity’s web site.
Corridor returned to her alma mater, the place she specialised in literacy and particular schooling on the Charleston faculty.
Household remembered Corridor as a trailblazer for particular schooling within the Charleston County College District, the place she labored for over 20 years.
“Heather Lynn Corridor, a beloved daughter, sister, mom, educator, and advocate, handed away doing what she did finest — dwelling life totally, boldly, and with a coronary heart vast open to the world,” her household instructed the outlet. “Heather grew up in a house overflowing with unconditional love. That love expanded outward, reaching each nook of her life. She didn’t simply have buddies — she had soul-deep connections with individuals who felt actually seen and cherished by her. To know Heather was to be identified and cherished in return.
“Above all else, Heather’s most cherished function was that of being a mom to 2 wonderful youngsters,” her household mentioned. “She believed in them with all her coronary heart and needed nothing greater than for them to stay their lives totally — discovering their objective, trusting themselves, and being open to pleasure, journey, and the wild, great risk of life.
Heartbroken relations mentioned Corridor is forsaking a legacy of affection, braveness and pleasure.
“Might we honor her by dwelling as she did—with curiosity, compassion, and open hearts,” the household added.
Longtime buddies had been left in disbelief at Corridor’s dying after listening to the information of the lethal derailment.
“I’m in shock. It doesn’t appear actual. She was such an enormous a part of my life and a part of so many individuals’s lives,” Corridor’s pal and school roommate, Maria Davis, instructed WCBD.
“I truly had seen the story on the information that evening, and I virtually texted her, however thought, no, it’s a really small probability it might be her,” mentioned Davis. She continued to elucidate she didn’t need to carry down her journey, so she by no means texted her, however was utterly shocked when she acquired the information the subsequent day.”
Sen. Tim Scott, (R-SC) reacted to Corridor’s dying on Friday.
“Deeply saddened to be taught of the tragic passing of Professor Heather Corridor from @CofC. Our hearts exit to her household, buddies, colleagues, and college students throughout this troublesome time. Professor Corridor’s dedication to schooling and her contributions to our group will likely be remembered,” Scott wrote on X.
Corridor was amongst 17 killed — the one American — when the well-known cable-pulled tram got here off its tracks and crashed right into a constructing.
Officers confirmed the fatalities included 5 Portuguese nationals, and vacationers from Canada, South Korea, France, Switzerland and Ukraine.
The lethal crash left 18 others injured, together with a three-year-old youngster, and sparked the Portuguese authorities to name for a day of nationwide mourning on Thursday.
“This tragedy … goes past our borders,” Prime Minister Luis Montenegro mentioned at his official residence, calling it “one of many greatest tragedies of our latest previous.”
Authorities have launched a probe into the mechanical failure of Glória Funicular whereas native media have cited considerations over latest upkeep schedules.
With Publish wires
