Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones dies in Laos after suspected methanol poisoning

Australian teenager Bianca Jones has died in a Thai hospital after suffering suspected methanol poisoning while on a backpacking holiday in Laos.

A 19-year-old Melburnian and her friend Holly Bowles became seriously ill after consuming drinks suspected of containing methanol in the popular tourist town of Vang Vieng last week.

Jones’ family confirmed her death in a statement to the Herald Sun on Thursday afternoon.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our beloved daughter and sister Bianca Jones has passed away,” they wrote.

“She was surrounded by love and we take comfort in knowing that her incredible spirit touched so many lives while she was with us.”

The family expressed gratitude for the support they received from across Australia in the wake of the tragedy.

Bowles, who is also from Beaumaris in Melbourne’s southeast, remains on life support at a separate hospital in Bangkok.

The two friends planned to stay at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng and had drinks there before going to a bar on November 11.

They did not leave their dorm room for 24 hours and on November 13, they reported feeling unwell.

Hostel manager Duong Duc Toan said the Australians joined more than 100 other guests to drink free shots of Laotian vodka offered by the hostel as a gesture of hospitality, according to the Associated Press.

According to reports, an American and two Danish tourists also died after drinking this substance, and at least a dozen other people were hospitalized.

“Every Parent’s Worst Fear”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is among those who have paid tribute to Jones, describing her death as a “terrible and cruel loss”.

“This is every parent’s worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to experience,” he said on Thursday during question time in parliament.

“All Australians offer them our deepest sympathies at this heartbreaking time. Bianca’s journey should have been a joyful time and a source of fond memories for years to come – memories she should have taken with her into the long, bright future that awaited her.

“It is extremely sad that this did not happen.”

Beaumaris Football Club has paid tribute to Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, describing them as “valued and highly respected members of the Beaumaris Sharks family”. Source: Facebook / Beaumaris Football Club

Goldstein MP Zoe Daniel, a local member of the constituency where both Jones and Bowles come from, said the ordeal was pain that “no one should have to experience”.

“To the families of these two young Australian women who have just gone on this adventure together, I know that many in our community are connected to these girls, to these families,” she said.

“I feel your sadness. Our hearts are broken.”

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also expressed his condolences, describing the incident as “shocking” and “unimaginable”.

“This is one of those circumstances that can never be predicted and cannot be prevented,” he said.

Goldstein MP Zoe Daniel said her community’s hearts were “broken”. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

“Please inform yourself”

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has urged Australians to be aware of the potential dangers of drinking alcohol in some popular tourist destinations.

“In many parts of the world, excessive alcohol consumption and methanol poisoning are all too common,” she said.

“I would like to say to parents and young people, please talk about the risks.

“Please let us know. Please let us work together to ensure this tragedy does not happen again.”

According to reports from the Australian Associated Press