Bethany Clarke, a British woman who survived a methanol poisoning incident in Laos which tragically claimed the life of her best friend, Simone White, is advocating for greater awareness of the dangers associated with bootleg alcohol. Following their return to Brisbane, where Clarke mourns her friend’s loss, she has taken on the mission to educate others about methanol’s risks.
CCTV footage revealed Clarke and White enjoying cocktails during happy hour at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Laos, along with other travellers. Clarke recounted that they consumed around five to six vodka shots mixed with Sprite before she went to bed around 10.30pm. Within 24 hours, both women, along with at least a dozen others, developed serious health issues, including two Australian teenagers who were also affected. Clarke described Simone’s rapid decline, with her suffering from respiratory distress and seizures.
The long-time friends had a special bond, having known each other since childhood. Clarke even visited Brisbane earlier this year to see her friend’s new home. Tragically, Clarke’s survival contrasted sharply with White’s outcome, prompting her commitment to raising awareness about methanol poisoning.
Doctors Without Borders estimates over 14,000 deaths from methanol poisoning globally over the past three decades. The initial symptoms often resemble those of severe intoxication, such as nausea and stomach pain, but can deteriorate swiftly. Methanol is particularly prevalent in regions with lax alcohol regulations, where it may be unwittingly included in alcoholic beverages.
Clarke believes that better education could prevent future tragedies. She stated, “If it were in the education system, then we could prevent history from repeating itself.” The Queensland Education Minister, John-Paul Langbroek, acknowledged that while students learn about general alcohol dangers, there may be a need to include specific topics like methanol poisoning in the curriculum.
Clarke’s desire is for her friend’s legacy to be one of saving lives. She emphasised, “Simone had so much more to give, so it’s why I’m doing what I’m doing because I know that she would have done this for me.” Through her efforts, she hopes to honour her friend’s memory and protect others from similar dangers.