London associate Simone White is among 14 tourists who fell seriously ill, with four reportedly dead
A junior lawyer from Squire Patton Boggs (SPB) has reportedly been hospitalised after allegedly consuming “poisoned alcohol” while holidaying in a popular backpacking destination in Laos.
Simone White, 28, is among 14 tourists who fell seriously ill last week after drinking alcohol mixed with methanol in the town of Vang Vieng, The Times (£) reports. It is not known where the contaminated drinks were sold.
Four women have reportedly died — an Australian teenager, two Danish women in their 20s, and an American.
White completed her training contract with SPB last summer and now works as associate in the firm’s IP and technology group, according her LinkedIn. She studied law at Newcastle University before going on to completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC) with BPP University Law School.
Update: 21 November — 4:13pm
The Times has reported the sad news of Simone White’s passing.
In a statement Simone’s parents said:
“We are devastated by the loss of our beautiful, kind and loving daughter Simone. 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.”
A statement for Squire Patton Boggs added:
“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the tragic passing of our dear friend and colleague Simone White. Simone was a talented colleague with a bright future ahead of her and someone who epitomised our firm values. 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.”