This woman went blind after a night out in Bali. She’s warning other tourists about methanol in their drinks
Ashley King, a 32-year-old Calgary woman, woke up blind just a few days after visiting a bar on a Bali vacation in 2011. Her drinks had been spiked with methanol, a toxic byproduct of the distillation process that is typically removed in regulated alcohol manufacturing. In King’s case, the methanol in her system caused her to lose 50 per cent of her vision and left her feeling very ill.
Dr. Paul Gee, an emergency physician who treated King at Christchurch Hospital in New Zealand, explained that methanol is broken down in the body into formaldehyde and formic acid, which are toxic to all cells. These toxins can first attack the eyes and brain, and then spread to other organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys. King was fortunate to have received treatment in time to save her life.
Unfortunately, King did not recover her sight and was left with only two per cent of her vision. Despite this devastating outcome, King decided to share her story in a new podcast called Static: A Party Girl’s Memoir to raise awareness about the dangers of methanol poisoning. She hopes that by sharing her experience, she can prevent others from falling victim to tainted alcohol.
In a medical paper co-authored by Dr. Gee, he emphasized the importance of recognizing the symptoms of methanol poisoning early. He advised travelers to avoid alcohol served from open containers or jugs and only purchase sealed bottles and cans from reputable sources. The Canadian government has also updated travel advice for countries like Laos, where methanol poisoning is a significant concern.
Although King faced immense challenges after losing her sight, she has persevered and continued to live the life she always wanted. She refused to let her disability hold her back and has since traveled alone, snowboarded solo, and even written and performed in a play about her experience. Despite the hardships she has faced, King remains determined to live life to the fullest and inspire others to do the same.
