Mother Campaigns for Safer Alcohol After Daughter, 38, Dies From Methanol-Poisoned Limoncello in Bali

Margaret McKie has launched a public safety campaign after her daughter, Kirsty McKie, 38, died in Bali on July 24, 2022, from complications of methanol poisoning. Kirsty, a ceramicist from Stockport who had been living and working on the Indonesian island, fell ill two days after sharing a bottle of limoncello with a friend.

Investigation and Confirmation

The family initially had no explanation for Kirsty’s sudden death. After repatriating her body to the U.K. and holding a funeral, tests carried out on samples preserved by a pathologist in Bali confirmed methanol poisoning, according to a Prevention of Future Deaths report filed by the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary on Feb. 20.

“We didn't get the diagnosis of what killed her for months. We had no idea what the reason was for her death,”

How It Happened

Margaret emphasizes that Kirsty was careful about alcohol — her fiancé ran a wine business and a restaurant — which underlines the danger of contaminated or counterfeit spirits. Methanol can contaminate drinks through poor, non-professional local brewing or when unscrupulous producers deliberately substitute methanol because it is cheaper than ethanol.

Margaret warns travelers that there is "no guarantee" a spirit is safe abroad and advises caution with unknown bottles, shots, and mixed drinks when the origin is uncertain. She says the incident shows anyone can be at risk, even those knowledgeable about alcohol.

Official Response and Guidance

In October 2025, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) added guidance on methanol poisoning to travel advice pages for Indonesia and seven other countries. Hamish Falconer, the minister responsible for Consular and Crisis, said officials are working to raise awareness of warning signs and urging anyone who suspects methanol poisoning to seek immediate medical attention.

Campaign, Justice, and Next Steps

Margaret has focused her efforts on awareness and prevention rather than prosecution. She says the bottle had been discarded, removing crucial evidence and making legal action difficult. Her campaign gained traction after similar incidents in the region, and she hopes increased public awareness and official guidance will prevent further tragedies.

"It's the only thing that makes any sense to do after Kirsty's death — to try and stop this happening to others," Margaret said.

Margaret’s work now centers on educating travelers about the risks of counterfeit and poorly produced alcoholic drinks, encouraging vigilance, and promoting prompt medical attention for suspected methanol poisoning.