Squire Patton Boggs has expressed deep condolences following the tragic death of Simone White, a London-based associate at the firm, who died while on vacation in Laos due to suspected methanol poisoning.
White, an intellectual property (IP) associate, was among six tourists who died after allegedly consuming bootleg alcohol in Vang Vieng, a popular tourist destination.
In a statement, Squire Patton Boggs described Simone as a “talented colleague with a bright future” who embodied the firm’s values.
The firm extended its sympathies to her family, friends, colleagues, and clients. White joined the firm in 2021 as a trainee solicitor and had previously interned there after graduating from Newcastle University. Her legal work focused on both contentious and non-contentious IP law issues.
Simone’s parents also paid tribute to their daughter, highlighting her unique energy and zest for life.
They expressed their devastation over her untimely passing and extended their condolences to other families affected by the tragedy. Friends and colleagues remembered Simone as a bright and kind individual, with tributes pouring in on social media platforms like LinkedIn.
The incident in Vang Vieng has resulted in the deaths of two young Australian women, an American man, and two Danish women alongside Simone White.
Laotian authorities are investigating the case, and several individuals have been detained in connection with the distribution of the tainted alcohol.
Police in Laos have detained the manager and owner of a hostel in connection with the death of White and the five others. In a statement released to the media, the Laos government said it was “profoundly saddened” over the deaths of foreign tourists and offered its condolence to their families.
The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed that it is supporting Simone’s family and is in contact with local authorities
