Parents of UK lawyer 'devastated' by daughter's death from suspected methanol poisoning

The parents of UK national Simone White said they've been left devastated by their daughter's death after a suspected mass methanol poisoning incident in Laos.

The 28-year-old lawyer from south-east London was staying at the backpacker hotspot Vang Vieng, where she drank alcohol suspected to be laced with methanol.

White is one of six tourists to die after staying in the tourist town.

READ MORE: Second Melbourne teenager dies from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos

In a statement, her parents said she was "taken too soon" and that they were devastated by the loss.

"Simone was one of a kind and had the most wonderful energy and spark for life," they said.

"She was a soul who gave so much to so many and was loved by her family, friends and colleagues."

"She'll 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."

The UK's Foreign Office confirmed the passing on Thursday, saying "we are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Laos, and we are in contact with the local authorities."

Melbourne women Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones also passed away from the suspected poisoning.

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An American and two Danish tourists also died, officials said, following reports that several people had been sickened in a Laotian town popular with backpackers.

Methanol is a clear liquid chemical used in thousands of everyday products, including plastics, paints, cosmetics, and fuels.

It's often deliberately and illegally added to alcoholic beverages as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, according to the Methanol Institute.

Drinking just 25-90ml of methanol can be fatal.