UK NEWS: Heartbroken parents of ex-Newcastle Uni student release tribute after suspected poisoning death

The parents of former Newcastle University student Simone White, the 28 year old British lawyer who died after allegedly being served methanol-laced drinks in Laos, have spoken of their immense sorrow.

Hailing from Orpington, Kent, Simone was one of several people hospitalised following the episode in Vang Vieng - a town popular with travellers.

Laotian authorities have apprehended the manager and owner of a hostel linked to the death of Ms White and five others suspected of poisoning, reports Chronicle Live.

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In a heartfelt statement, her parents shared: "We are devastated by the loss of our beautiful, kind and loving daughter Simone."

They added, "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."

While no formal charges have been made as yet, a representative from the Vang Vieng Tourism Police confirmed that "a number of people" have been held concerning the incident. Representatives from Nana Backpacker Hostel, which is still operational but not currently welcoming new patrons, have acknowledged that both the manager and owner are under investigation.

Ms White, who was a lawyer with the international firm Squire Patton Boggs, dealt with a variety of commercial issues including contentious and non-contentious intellectual property law, as outlined on the firm's website. Her Linked-In profile listed her as attending Newcastle University where she studied law.

The company expressed their profound sorrow in a statement mourning the unexpected loss: "It is with deep sadness that we mourn the tragic passing of our dear friend and colleague Simone White." They highlighted her potential and alignment with the firm's ethos saying, "Simone was a talented colleague with a bright future ahead of her and someone who epitomised (our firm's) values."

Extending heartfelt sympathies, the firm added, "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 FCDO has stepped in, providing help to British nationals receiving hospital treatment post-incident, as well as support to their families.

Currently, it's known there have been five fatalities from the incident, including two Australian adolescents, an American, and two Danish sightseers.

Connecting with local authorities, the FCDO is engaged concerning the British citizens involved.

Those afflicted were reportedly served beverages laced with methanola substance occasionally used by dishonest establishments as a cost-effective substitute for ethanol but is hazardous and potentially lethal.

Duong Duc Toan, the overseer of Nana Backpacker Hostel, recounted that other guests reported the unwell state of the women when they did not depart as scheduled on November 13; subsequently, transportation to a hospital was arranged.

The women, he stated, had joined over 100 other guests for complimentary shots of Lao vodka provided by the hostel two days prior. He added that no other guest reported any problems and that the alleged victims had then gone out for the night, returning in the early morning hours.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese informed parliament that 19 year old Bianca Jones passed away after being evacuated from Vang Vieng for treatment in a Thai hospital. A second Australian was reported to have died on Friday following the incident.

Australia has indicated that "several foreign nationals" were victims of methanol poisoning. The US State Department confirmed an American's death, and Denmark's Foreign Ministry announced that two of its citizens also died in "the incident in Laos", but neither would directly comment on a connection to the methanol poisoning that resulted in Ms Jones' death.

Thai authorities confirmed that Ms Jones died due to "brain swelling caused by high levels of methanol found in her system". Laos, one of south-east Asia's poorest nations and a popular tourist destination, is landlocked.

Vang Vieng is particularly favoured among backpackers looking for partying and adventure sports.

Almost no details about the case have been released by officials in Laos, with the government maintaining strict control over information. The country operates as a one-party communist state without any organised opposition.

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