Tributes to 'wonderful' London lawyer after suspected poisoning death in Laos

The parents of a British lawyer who died after allegedly being served drinks laced with methanol in Laos have said they are “devastated by the loss of our beautiful, kind and loving daughter”.

Simone White , 28, from Orpington, Kent, was one of a number of people taken to hospital after the incident in the popular backpacking town of Vang Vieng last week.

Police in Laos have detained the manager and owner of a hostel in connection with the death of Ms White and five others, who are also believed to have been poisoned.

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In a statement, Ms White’s parents said: “We are devastated by the loss of our beautiful, kind and loving daughter Simone. 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.”

The UK's Foreign Office confirmed the 28-year-old's death on Thursday, saying: "We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Laos, and we are in contact with the local authorities." She became the fifth tourist to die following the incident.

Simone White’s employers, London law firm Squire Patton Boggs, said in a statement: “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 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.”

The deaths remain under police investigation, but news reports and testimonies online from other tourists suggest they may have consumed drinks laced with methanol, a deadly substance often found in bootleg alcohol.

Five tourists died in a suspected mass poisoning in Laos: Simone White (28, British lawyer), Bianca Jones (19, Australian), an unnamed American man, and two unnamed Danish women aged 19 and 20.

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