'Our beautiful one-of-a-kind Simone had a spark for life'

THE parents of a British lawyer who died after allegedly being served drinks laced with methanol in Laos say they are "devastated by the loss of our beautiful, kind and loving daughter".

- Mark Reynolds

Simone White, 28, was one of a number of people taken to hospital after an alleged incident in the popular backpacking town of Vang Vieng last week.

Police in Laos have detained the manager and owner of a hostel in connection with the death of Ms White and five others, who are also believed to have been poisoned.

Authorities last night confirmed a second Australian, teenager Holly Bowles, had passed away after apparently drinking a rogue batch of alcohol contaminated with methanol.

In a statement, Ms White'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.