Investigation into death of former Newcastle University student poisoned in Laos

The Laos government has launched an investigation into the death of a 28-year-old British woman last week.

Former Newcastle University student, Simone White, died from alleged methanol poisoning after drinking at a bar in Vang Vieng, Laos.

The government has expressed deep sorrow and is investigating the suspected methanol poisoning that led to a total of six deaths, Chronicle Live reports. 

Simone, originally from Orpington, Kent, studied law with European legal studies at Newcastle University, before becoming an associate lawyer in London at global law firm Squire Patton Boggs.

Thai authorities confirmed that Simone died as a result of a “brain swelling due to high levels of methanol found in her system.” Methanol is sometimes used by disreputable bars as a low-cost substitute for ethanol, but can cause serious poisoning or death.

The other four deaths include two Australian teenagers, two Danish citizens in their twenties, and an American.

At least 11 more victims are currently in hospital after falling ill. Many were staying at Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng, a popular destination for tourists.

In a statement to the press, the Laotian authorities announced their “profoundly saddened” sentiments concerning the deaths of all six travellers and extended their deepest sympathies to the bereaved families.

The statement confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that officials are working “to find causes of the incident”. They voted to vowed to “bring the perpetrators to justice”.

Tributes were made by Simone’s family on Friday, as they described her as “one of a kind and had the most wonderful energy and spark for life.”

The Foreign Office has asserted that it is supporting Simone’s family, a spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Laos, and we are in contact with the local authorities.”

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Duong Duc Toan, manager of the Nana Backpacker Hostel where Simone was staying, confirmed that over 100 guests were given free shots of Lao Tiger vodka. He claimed the alcohol came from a certified distributor and was not tampered with by staff at the hostel.

He said: “Right now, the police [are telling] every hostel and hotel and bar to stop selling drinks in Vang Vieng.

“The police in Vang Vieng and Vientiane already came to the hostel to check the shop [where] we buy the vodka, check the shop [where] we buy the whiskey. We don’t do anything wrong, for sure. I really take care of all of the customers [who] stay with our hotel and our hostel.”

The Australian and British governments have warned travellers in the past to be cautious with alcoholic drinks in Laos.

Issuing an urgent warning about counterfeit alcohol circulating in Vang Vieng, the Foreign Office wrote: “Methanol has been used in the manufacture of counterfeit replicas of well-known alcohol brands or illegal local spirits, like vodka.

“You should take care if offered it, particularly for free, or when buying spirit-based drinks. If labels, smell or taste seem wrong then do not drink.”

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