Laos: Parents ‘devastated’ over daughter’s suspected poisoning death

The parents of British lawyer Simone White, who died in a suspected poisoning in Laos, have said they are “devastated” by the “terrible tragedy”.

Ms White died in hospital after drinking alcohol suspected to have been laced with methanol in the backpacking hotspot Vang Vieng.

The 28-year-old was one of six tourists to die in the popular tourist town.

The family said in a statement: “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.”

They said their daughter had been “taken far too soon” and would be “sorely missed by her brother, grandmother and entire family”.