How Did UK Lawyer Simone Become One Of The Five Victims Of Methanol Poisoning In Laos?

Simone White, a 28-year-old associate lawyer from Orpington, Kent, has become the latest victim of a suspected methanol poisoning incident in Laos. White, who was traveling in Vang Vieng, a popular backpacker destination, was among five tourists who tragically died after consuming drinks thought to have been spiked with methanol.

White was an associate lawyer at Squire Patton Boggs, specializing in technology and intellectual property law. She had been with the firm for over three years, having joined as a trainee solicitor in August 2021, before being promoted to associate in 2023. White’s legal expertise also included general commercial matters and both contentious and non-contentious intellectual property law. Prior to her role at Squire Patton Boggs, White worked as a paralegal for Clear Channel Outdoor and had also gained valuable experience through an internship with the firm.

White completed her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at Newcastle University in 2019 and later attended BPP Law School, where she earned a fast-track Legal Practice Course (LPC) qualification in 2021.

Simone White was visiting Vang Vieng with other tourists when they consumed drinks that allegedly contained methanol, a toxic substance often found in illicitly produced alcohol. Despite being rushed to a hospital, White did not survive the poisoning. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed it is offering support to her family during this difficult time.

This incident is part of a series of similar fatalities in Vang Vieng, with other victims reportedly including Australian Bianca Jones, two Danish women, and an American tourist. Methanol poisoning is a serious danger, as even small amounts of methanol can be lethal. Authorities are investigating the source of the tainted alcohol.