One of two Australian teenagers who suffered a suspected methanol poisoning after a night out in Laos has died in hospital. Her best friend Holly Bowles remains on life support.

Bangkok

Bianca Jones, a 19-year-old Australian, passed away a week after consuming a cocktail suspected to contain methanol while traveling in Laos. Her family is receiving support and prayers from across Australia and is deeply touched by the extensive love shown by their community. Bianca was on a backpacking trip with her best friend Holly Bowles, who is currently on life support in Bangkok. 

In a tragic series of events, Bianca is the fourth person to die as a result of suspected methanol poisoning, following an American man and two Danish travelers who died in similar circumstances on the same night. Reports indicate that Bianca and Holly had been socializing at their hostel and JD Bar before falling ill. Methanol is sometimes used as a cheaper alternative to ethanol in alcoholic drinks, a practice which can lead to fatal consequences.

Holly's family maintains vigil by her bedside, while her former high school and local community in Melbourne join in offering thoughts, love, and prayers for her recovery. Doctors have warned Holly's family to prepare for the worst, adding to the deep anguish felt by all those connected to both young women. The situation has brought immense sadness to many, highlighting the critical importance of raising awareness about the potential dangers of drink adulteration while traveling.



Melbourne teen Bianca Jones dies after Laos methanol poisoning

Typical teenager who just wanted to travel the world. But Bianca Jones will forever be 19 years old. She died today, surrounded by her family, a week after she was suspected of drinking a cocktail laced with methanol in Laos. Her family says, she was surrounded by love and we are comforted by the knowledge that her incredible spirit touched so many lives during her time with us. We want to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love and prayers we've received from across Australia. This is every parent's very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure. I know that so many members of our community are connected to these girls, to these families. I feel your grief. Our hearts are broken. Bianca was backpacking with her best friend Holly Bowles who also fell sick and is still on life support. Bianca's trip should have been a joyous time and a source of fond memories in years to come. Memories that she should have carried with her into the long bright future that lay ahead of her. For that exciting adventure to end in these awful tragic circumstances is really heartbreaking for the families and obviously too the many people in our community who love these two young women. The women had partied at their hostel and at JD Bar. Methanol is used in drinks as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, often with fatal consequences. Please have a conversation about risks, please inform yourselves, please let's work together to ensure this tragedy doesn't happen again. Bianca is now the fourth person to lose their life as a result of this mass poisoning after it was confirmed an American man and two Danish travellers also died from suspected methanol ingestion on the same night out in Laos. What should have been the trip of a lifetime has ended in tragedy. Brendan Crewe for 10 News First, Bangkok. Let's get to Brendan now who's still in Bangkok. He joins me. Brendan, what's the latest on the condition of Holly Bowles? Well Sandra, the latest update we have is that Holly Bowles is still on life support here in Bangkok with her family by her bedside. Her former high school she graduated from last year has released a statement calling for thoughts, love and prayers for Holly, her family and local community back home in Melbourne is hoping for a miracle but her doctors here have told the family to prepare for the worst. This story has shocked and devastated so many, everyone hoping for a better outcome for Holly. Bianca's passing is the news, the whole country was hoping not to hear but Sandra, a tragic update on an ongoing situation which is now claimed for lives.

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