Tributes paid to British lawyer among six killed in Laos ‘alcohol poisoning’ - latest

Young travelers in Laos express concerns about poisoning following the deaths of six individuals who drank contaminated alcohol.

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Homages have been given to a “skilled” British attorney who is one of six travelers who tragically lost their lives in Laos, believed to be due to alcohol poisoning.

Simone White, a 28-year-old from Orpington, was declared dead on Thursday after falling ill while in the popular backpacker destination of Vang Vieng, where several other young travelers were also affected.

Her law firm, Squire Patton Boggs, stated: “Simone was a skilled member of our team with a promising future and truly represented the values we uphold at our firm.”

A 19-year-old Australian girl named Holly Bowles has tragically become the sixth tourist to lose her life. She passed away over a week after getting sick at the Nana Backpacker Hostel. The hostel had earlier reported that on November 12, they provided complimentary vaccinations to about 100 guests.

Her friend Bianca Jones, who was also 19, has been reported as deceased alongside one American and two Danish individuals. Officials believe the tourists may have ingested alcohol that was contaminated with the toxic substance methanol.

Thai authorities have arrested both the owner and manager of Nana Backpacker Hostel. Additionally, a representative from the Tourism Police office in Vang Vieng mentioned that several individuals have been brought in for interrogation.

Earlier this week, the manager of Nana Backpacker Hostel informed the press that the beverages served were sourced from an authorized distributor and had not been contaminated by him or his employees.

Simone White's Friend Hospitalized For Methanol Poisoning

Simone White, a lawyer from Orpington in Kent, passed away after she allegedly became unwell last week while visiting a popular backpacking destination with her friend Bethany Clarke, who is also from Orpington. Bethany mentioned that she was hospitalized following the incident as well.

In a Facebook group dedicated to backpacking in Laos, Ms. Clarke made a concerning post on November 16, which has now been removed. She advised everyone: “Important – steer clear of all local alcoholic drinks. While our group was in Vang Vieng, we accepted complimentary shots from one of the bars.”

"Simply steer clear of them; they're not worth the risk. Six of us who consumed from the same source are now in the hospital due to methanol poisoning."

She reportedly mentioned that she received treatment at a private hospital, where she had several infusions and spent a few days recovering. It's unclear whether she is still hospitalized.

Holly Evans, November 22, 2024, at 1:45 PM

Laotian Police Arrest Suspects In Tourist Deaths

Laotian authorities have arrested the manager and owner of a hostel where two Australian teenagers were staying when they were poisoned by contaminated alcohol, resulting in one of them losing their life. This incident seems to have led to the deaths of at least five individuals.

A representative from the Tourism Police office in Vang Vieng, who wished to remain anonymous, informed The Associated Press on Friday that several individuals have been taken into custody regarding the situation, though no formal charges have been made yet. Employees at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, which is still open but not taking in new guests, verified that both the manager and the owner were questioned in connection with the case.

In Southeast Asia, you’ll often find tourist police stations that are designed to assist travelers and foreigners with any issues they may encounter.

Check out the complete article here:

Holly Evans, November 22, 2024, at 1:15 PM.

Simone White's Firm Honors A Talented Colleague

A heartfelt tribute has been made to 28-year-old Simone White from Orpington, located in south-east London, following her tragic death, which is believed to be due to alcohol poisoning.

According to the firm's website, she was an attorney at the international law firm Squire Patton Boggs, where she dealt with a range of business-related legal issues as well as both litigious and non-litigious matters concerning intellectual property law.

In a statement, the law firm expressed: "We are heartbroken to share the news of the untimely loss of our beloved friend and colleague, Simone White."

"Simone was a skilled coworker with a promising future and truly embodied the values of our company."

"We send our heartfelt condolences to Simone’s family, friends, and all the colleagues and clients who had the honor of working with her. Her presence will be deeply missed."

Sure! Here’s a rephrased version of the provided text: Holly Evans November 22, 2024, 12:28 PM

Understanding Methanol Poisoning: A Tourist's Guide

Two people from Denmark, two Australians, and one American have also passed away after being hospitalized with comparable symptoms.

So, what exactly is methanol, and how can travelers steer clear of it?

Check out the complete explanation here:

Holly Evans on November 22, 2024, at 12:24 PM.

What Did Officials In Laos Say?

Laos, a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, is among the poorest nations in the region, yet it attracts many visitors.

Vang Vieng is especially favored by travelers looking for vibrant nightlife and thrilling outdoor activities.

Authorities in Laos have shared very few details about the situation, as the government is being quite secretive about the information.

The nation operates as a single-party communist system, with no structured opposition groups allowed.

Holly Evans, November 22, 2024, at 12:04 PM

The Dangers Of Methanol Explained

Methanol is easily taken up and spread throughout the body. It gets broken down into formic acid, which can be harmful in high amounts.

According to the US National Institutes of Health, it's widely recognized that methanol can be highly toxic and cause serious health issues when a person is exposed to high concentrations of it.

The NHS cautions that even a tiny amount—just 4ml of methanol—can lead to hallucinations and loss of vision.

About 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingesting methanol, individuals may experience symptoms such as sleepiness, confusion, and irritability. As time goes on, they may also face dizziness, nausea, intense stomach pain, and diarrhea.

In serious situations, a person might experience rapid, shallow breaths, which could eventually result in unconsciousness and seizures.

Patients might receive dialysis treatment.

Holly Evans, November 22, 2024, at 11:39 AM

"Watch: Tourists In Laos Share Alcohol Poisoning Fears"

Certainly! Here’s a rewritten version of that section in more casual English: **Holly Evans, November 22, 2024, 11:20 AM**

Methanol is a clear liquid that has a slightly sweet and strong odor. It mixes thoroughly with water and is quite similar to ethanol, which is the type of alcohol found in beverages.

In contrast to ethanol, methanol is harmful to humans and is frequently utilized as a solvent in industrial applications. It's also a key component in the production of formaldehyde and is found in various products such as antifreeze and fuel.

Holly Evans, on November 22, 2024, at 11:05 AM.

Bianca Jones Dies From Brain Swelling Linked To Methanol

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese informed the parliament that 19-year-old Bianca Jones passed away following her evacuation from Vang Vieng to receive medical care at a hospital in Thailand.

Australia reported that a number of foreign citizens have suffered from methanol poisoning.

The US State Department confirmed that an American has passed away, while Denmark’s Foreign Ministry reported that two of its nationals also lost their lives in “the incident in Laos.” However, both agencies refrained from directly associating these deaths with the methanol poisoning that took the life of Ms. Jones.

Thai officials have confirmed that Ms. Jones passed away due to "brain swelling caused by elevated levels of methanol in her system."

Holly Evans, November 22, 2024, 10:50 AM

Friend Of Deceased Creates List Of Those Affected

A Dutch traveler, whose two friends are believed to have died from suspected methanol poisoning, is putting together a list of people affected by the incident.

Arthur is reaching out to anyone who thinks they may have consumed drinks contaminated with methanol in Vang Vieng. He has provided a Google form that can be filled out, which he shared in various Facebook groups.

It inquires about the person's accommodation, their drinking venues, and the timing of their visits. In the document, he noted, "This joint endeavor can uncover trends, alert others, and possibly hold the individuals responsible to account."

In an interview with The Independent, he stated, “I will share my information as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.”

Sure! Please provide the specific blog section you'd like me to rewrite.