A mother is campaigning to raise awareness about methanol poisoning after her daughter died from drinking contaminated limoncello in Bali. Kirsty McKie, 38, originally from Stockport, died in 2022 after unknowingly ingesting methanol-laced alcohol, despite only purchasing from reputable suppliers.
Margaret McKie, 66, is now urging travellers to be cautious, stating: 'There is no way to know. It can happen to anybody.' She highlighted that even sealed bottles from shops can be dangerous, as criminals may reseal genuine bottles with methanol to cut costs.
Kirsty, a freelance TV producer and ceramicist, had lived in Bali for eight years. After a night drinking limoncello with a friend, she tried to sleep off what she thought was a hangover but died. Her friend also fell ill but recovered. Pathologist reports later confirmed methanol poisoning.
Margaret criticised the outcome of a related case in Laos, where six people died from methanol poisoning in 2024, including British backpacker Simone White. Ten people were charged with destruction of evidence and given suspended sentences with fines of just £135, which Margaret called 'insulting'.
The UK Foreign Office now advises travellers about the risks of counterfeit or tainted alcoholic drinks in 16 countries. Symptoms of methanol poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and visual disturbances. Margaret stressed that victims should not 'try to sleep it off thinking it's just a bad hangover'.
Since Kirsty's death, Margaret has campaigned alongside other affected families to save lives. She noted recent reports of laced alcohol in popular hotspots like Greece and Spain, emphasising that even careful consumers are at risk.
