The family of an Australian mother-of-five who died in Bali from suspected alcohol poisoning have insisted she was not a heavy drinker. Summa Jean Simmonds, 38, from Cairns, collapsed outside her luxury villa at the Peppers resort in Seminyak on Saturday night.
Local police claim she consumed a large amount of alcohol before her death, including a 'whole bottle of bottle'—equivalent to 21 drinks—and six more shots. However, her family has rejected these claims, stating she was not a big drinker. She is the niece of Cairns mayor Bob Manning.
Her body has been delayed from returning home due to Hindu New Year celebrations on the island. Bali observed Hari Nyepi (Day of Silence) on Tuesday, during which the airport was closed for 24 hours and no outdoor activity was permitted.
According to Badung Police Precinct Chief Budi Setiawan, Ms Simmonds began vomiting and collapsed outside her room after going to get money to go out with friends. Her friends performed CPR and called for a doctor, but she was pronounced dead shortly after midnight. Police suspect alcohol poisoning, and samples of drinks have been taken for testing. An autopsy has not yet been performed.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family.
