Laos: Parents ‘devastated’ over daughter’s suspected poisoning death

The parents of British lawyer Simone White, who died in a suspected poisoning in Laos, have said they are “devastated” by the “terrible tragedy”.

Ms White died in hospital after drinking alcohol suspected to have been laced with methanol in the backpacking hotspot Vang Vieng.

The 28-year-old was one of six tourists to die in the popular tourist town.

In a statement, her parents said: “Simone was one of a kind and had the most wonderful energy and spark for life.

“She was a soul who gave so much to so many and was loved by her family, friends and colleagues.”

They said their daughter had been “taken far too soon” and would be “sorely missed by her brother, grandmother and entire family”.

They added: “Our hearts go out to all other families who have been affected by this terrible tragedy.”

Holly Bowles’, a 19-year-old Australian, became the sixth person to die from the suspected poisoning on Friday.

Her friend Bianca Jones, also 19, an unnamed US man and two Danish women, aged 19 and 20, are also among the victims.

News reports and testimonies suggest the tourists may have consumed alcohol laced with methanol – a deadly substance often found in bootleg alcohol.

Medical specialists say drinking as little as 25 millilitres of methanol can be fatal, but it is sometimes added to drinks because it is cheaper than alcohol.