Parents pay emotional tribute to 'one of a kind' lawyer who died in suspected poisoning

The parents of a British lawyer who died after a suspected drink poisoning in a backpacker hotspot in Laos have paid an emotional tribute to their 'one of a kind' daughter.

Simone, 28, allegedly consumed drinks laced with methanol in the town Vang Vieng last week. The promising young lawyer, from Orpington in Kent, is among six people understood to have died in connection with the tragedy.

It was reported earlier this week that several people were taken to hospital in Thailand after consuming drinks that were suspected to be poisoned. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed Simone's death on Thursday.

READ MORE: British lawyer, 28, dies after being served drinks laced with toxic substance

In a statement issued by her employers, the parents of British lawyer Simone White 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.”

Ms White was a lawyer with global law firm Squire Patton Boggs, whose work involved general commercial matters, and contentious and non-contentious intellectual property law issues, according to the firm’s website. In a statement, the firm said: “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.”

The other five people who have died are two Australian teenagers, an American and two Danish tourists. The FCDO said it was in contact with the local authorities regarding the British nationals affected.