SIMONE White is the fifth tourist to die after allegedly drinking free booze containing deadly methanol during a holiday in Laos.

British lawyer was among the few holidaymakers who become dangerously ill While staying in the popular resort town of Vang Vieng. Here’s what we know about Simone:

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Who was Simone White?

Simone White was from Orpington. City.

The 28-year-old was a lawyer specializing in technology and intellectual property at the London office of American law firm Squire Patton Boggs.

After completing his A-levels at St Olave’s Grammar School in Orpington, he studied law at Newcastle University before taking a crash course at BPP law school.

According to his Facebook page, he studied abroad at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands in 2017.

What happened to Simone White?

Simone with other holidaymakers in November 2024 Nana was reportedly ‘poisoned’ at the Backpacker Hostel In the popular resort town of Vang Vieng in Laos.

At least 11 people, including a British man who was allegedly served alcohol in a bar, remained in hospital.

19-year-old Australian woman Bianca Jones also passed away The horrific incident took place with two Danish women in their 20s and a 56-year-old American man.

Simone’s friend Bethany Clarke, a healthcare worker also from Orpington, used the Laos Backpacking Facebook group to warn others. travelers.

He said: “Urgent – please avoid all local liquor. Our group stayed in Vang Vieng and drank free drinks offered by one of the bars.”

Bethany continued: “Avoid them as it’s not worth it. Six of us who drank from the same place are currently in hospital with methanol poisoning.”

He added that he “got so tired and then I passed out, then I just got nauseous and then my liver started shutting down.”

He continued: “I got to the private hospital on time, but I received a lot of treatment with injections and tablets and recovered for days.”

Neighbor was taken to hospital Thailand but could not be saved.

Her friend Holly Bowles, also 19, was with her that night and remains in hospital on life support.

Thai police Speaking to Reuters, the official said: “The doctor who examined him said the cause of death was methanol poisoning caused by fake alcohol.

“The amount of methanol in his body was high, causing the brain to swell.”

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governments Australia and Britain has previously warned travelers to be careful with alcoholic beverages in Laos.

Methanol, a toxic substance alcohol Used industrially as solvents, pesticides and fuel sources, these substances can be fatal when consumed, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Duong Duc Toan, manager of the hostel where Bianca was staying, confirmed that more than 100 guests were served free Lao Tiger vodka mixed with ice and Coke Zero.

He insisted the alcohol came from a certified distributor and had not been tampered with by staff.

“Right now the police are telling every hostel, hotel and bar to stop selling alcohol in Vang Vieng,” Toan told The Associated Press. he said.

In an interview with Australian broadcaster ABC, he added: “The police in Wang Vieng and (capital) Vientiane have already come to the hostel to check (where) we bought the vodka, the shop where we bought the vodka.” whiskey.

“Of course we are not doing anything wrong. I really care about all the customers who stay in our hotel and hostel.”

Laos police launched an operation investigation regarding alleged poisoning.

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In response, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued an urgent statement. warning about counterfeit alcohol in the area.

“Methanol was used in the production of counterfeit copies of well-known alcohol brands or illegal local spirits such as vodka,” the FCDO said.

“Be especially careful when purchasing free drinks or spirits. If the label, smell or taste looks wrong, don’t drink it.”

Travelers are advised to purchase alcohol only from licensed liquor stores, drink in licensed venues and avoid homemade alcoholic beverages.