In 2024, another unfortunate collision resulted in the death of 28-year-old Simone White of Orpington. She died after drinking complimentary shots of homemade hooch at a guesthouse in Laos. She was one of six individuals who tragically succumbed to methanol poisoning. Her painful story reminds us of the dangers that can come from consuming unregulated alcohol while traveling abroad.
Simone White’s death should be the loudest, clearest wake-up call. Most profoundly, it brings attention to the fatigue dangers young travelers face when consuming alcohol in other countries. An artist, traveler, and culinary explorer unabashedly curious about the world around her, her family said she had a contagious “zest for life.” Amanda Dennis, attorney for the White family, underlined the magnitude of their loss. She was extraordinarily well educated and well-traveled. She was very cosmopolitan, frankly. She was just a beautiful young woman who had so much more to live for than to go…
Those first hopes for Simone’s survival quickly disappeared when her lawyer began communicating with hospital personnel. They brought the terrible news that there was “no hope” after she experienced acute methanol toxicity. The tragedy has compelled her family to educate others on the perils of bootleg alcohol. After all, they are now the ones lobbying their government to roll out educational programs targeting their country’s youth.
Asms. Kay Coleman, the mother of a campus survivor, has already spoken up. She’s speaking out for required methanol poisoning education in schools, which she’s working to make a requirement. Coleman stated, “The message [needs to get] across fully about the dangers.”
In memory of this tragic incident, Dartford MP Jim Dickson brought the matter up in a recent parliamentary debate. He called for mandatory education on the risks of methanol poisoning, saying, “Above all we think it should be in the school curriculum.” He added that young people should be educated about distinguishing safe drinks from potentially dangerous ones, including avoiding “knock-off brands that are posing as mainstream brands.”
Catherine West, a Foreign Office Minister admitted just how important the issue raised by Simone White’s family is. She went on to thank them for their work to raise awareness. The Foreign Office has published information on methanol poisoning in Laos, in their foreign travel advice.
Leave a Reply