Family of Essex backpacker killed by contaminated alcohol in Indonesia warns of methanol poisoning risks
23-year-old Cheznye Emmons died after buying a bottle labelled “gin” in northern Sumatra that was mixed with methanol
Last updated 15th Jul 2026
Grieving Britons whose loved ones have died after drinking contaminated alcohol are alerting other holidaymakers amid fears the poisonings could claim more lives.
As thousands of holidaymakers prepare for a summer break, relatives and friends of victims are urging travellers to be aware of drinks that could be spiked with methanol.
The “Know the Signs” campaign comes as there are now 29 destinations, including tourist hotspots such as Indonesia, Laos and Vietnam, which carry methanol poisoning warnings on UK Government travel advice.
Essex backpacker Cheznye Emmons, 23, died in 2013 after buying a bottle labelled “gin” from a shop in northern Sumatra which had been mixed with methanol.
Her sister Measha Emmons said it is “so important that travellers understand the risks” because “what happened to Cheznye could happen to anyone”.
She said: “One of the most dangerous things about methanol poisoning is that there is no reliable way to tell whether alcohol has been contaminated, and symptoms can take 12 to 24 hours to appear. But timing is critical.
“About four or five hours after drinking, Cheznye began to feel unwell. A few hours later, she woke up saying she couldn’t see. By then, it was too late.”
The Foreign Office urged Brits to check the latest travel advice for their destination before their departure and to act quickly if something does not feel right.
Minister Hamish Falconer stated that “methanol poisoning can have devastating – and sometimes fatal – consequences”, and praised the relatives and survivors who are trying to raise awareness.
He added: “The courage of survivors and bereaved families in sharing their experiences will help raise awareness and could save lives.”