Tragic Laos Deaths Highlight Dangers of Methanol in Fake Alcohol

Simone White, a 28-year-old British lawyer, died in Laos after consuming alcohol suspected to be laced with methanol at a backpacker hotspot in Vang Vieng. Her mother, Sue White, has issued a warning to travelers to be cautious about their drinks abroad, emphasizing that such incidents can happen to anyone. Six tourists died in the incident, and several people have been detained by Laotian police. Methanol, a toxic substance sometimes added to bootleg alcohol, can be fatal even in small amounts. Simone's body is set to be repatriated for her funeral.