Backpacking Teenager Was Poisoned by Methanol at ‘Upscale’ Bar, Then Told ‘Your Optic Nerves Are Dying’ (Exclusive)

Teenager’s Backpacking Trip Takes a Horrific Turn After Methanol Poisoning Incident

A young backpacker’s adventurous spirit turned into a nightmare when she was poisoned by methanol at an upscale bar, resulting in permanent blindness. Ashley King, now 33, recently shared her harrowing ordeal of how a simple night out with friends in Bali turned into a life-altering tragedy.

Ashley, originally from Calgary, Alberta, was on a gap year after completing high school when the incident occurred. During her travels in Australia, she made a spontaneous decision to visit Bali in August 2011. Little did she know that this impromptu detour would change her life forever.

The evening started innocently as Ashley and her friends visited an upscale nightclub in Kuta, a developed town known for its vibrant nightlife and shopping scene. Little did Ashley know that the fruity cocktails she consumed that night were laced with methanol, a toxic substance that can have devastating effects on the human body.

Despite the seemingly normal atmosphere at the bar and the careful preparation of her drinks, Ashley was unaware of the dangers lurking in her cocktail. Methanol poisoning was not something she had ever heard of, let alone anticipated. The following day, as she prepared to leave Bali, Ashley started feeling unwell but attributed it to the stress of traveling alone.

However, things took a drastic turn when Ashley struggled to communicate at the airport, feeling disoriented and nauseous. It wasn’t until she reached a hostel that the gravity of her situation became apparent. As Ashley’s eyesight deteriorated rapidly, she was rushed to the hospital, where doctors were baffled by her symptoms.

After thorough examination, it was revealed that Ashley had a high concentration of methanol in her system, causing her body to essentially start embalming itself from the inside out. The poison had already reached her optic nerves, leaving her blind and fighting for her life in intensive care.

Despite the odds stacked against her, Ashley managed to survive the ordeal, thanks to intensive treatment that involved dialysis and a bizarre yet life-saving method of getting her drunk to process the methanol out of her system. Her vision, however, was severely compromised, with doctors warning her that she might never regain her sight.

The trauma of losing her eyesight at such a young age was overwhelming for Ashley, who struggled to come to terms with the harsh reality of her new life. With unwavering support from her family and sheer determination, Ashley slowly began to rebuild her life, focusing on her passion for theater and raising awareness about methanol poisoning.

Today, Ashley uses her experience as a cautionary tale, advocating for more stringent measures to prevent methanol-related incidents and sharing her story to educate others. Despite the challenges she has faced, Ashley’s resilience and courage serve as an inspiration to many, proving that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future.