The parents of British lawyer Simone White who died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos have described her as a “beautiful, kind and loving daughter”.
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 is one of six tourists to die in the popular tourist town in the incident.
In a statement, they 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.
“Simone has been taken from us too soon, she will be sorely missed by her brother, grandmother and entire family.
“Our hearts go out to all other families who have been affected by this terrible tragedy.”
Holly Bowles, from Australia, was confirmed on Friday as the sixth death linked to tainted shots at the popular tourist spot of Vang Vieng.
The 19-year-old had been in a critical condition in hospital in Bangkok for days following the poisoning in Laos more than a week ago.
An officer at Vang Vieng’s Tourism Police office told The Associated Press on Friday that a “number of people” had been detained in the case but that no charges have been filed.
The US State Department has issued a health alert for citizens traveling in Laos, warning of “suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, possibly through the consumption of methanol-laced alcoholic drinks,” following similar alerts from other countries whose citizens were involved.
Ms White was a lawyer with global law firm Squire Patton Boggs, whose work involved general commercial matters, and contentious and non-contentious intellectual property law issues, according to the firm’s website.
In a statement, the law firm said: “It is with deep sadness that we mourn the tragic passing of our dear friend and colleague Simone White.
“Simone was a talented colleague with a bright future ahead of her and someone who epitomised (our firm’s) values.
“Our thoughts go out to all of Simone’s family, friends and those colleagues and clients who had the privilege to work with and know Simone. She will be sincerely missed.”
Methanol is sometimes added to mixed drinks at disreputable bars as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, but can cause severe poisoning or death.
It is also a byproduct of poorly distilled homebrew liquor, and could have found its way into bar drinks inadvertently.
