Australian teen Bianca Jones has died following a suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, Laos, her family has confirmed.
In a statement to the Herald Sun, Jones’ family confirmed that the 19-year-old had passed away after spending days on life support at the Bangkok Hospital Udon Thani in Thailand’s north.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our beloved daughter and sister, Bianca Jones, has passed away,” the family shared.
“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.
“The kindness shown to our family during this unimaginable time has been truly humbling.
“We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate through our grief and begin to heal. Thank you for respecting our family’s space.
“With heartfelt appreciation, Mark, Michelle and Lachlan Jones.”
Jones and her friend Holly Bowles, also 19, were spending a portion of their gap year travelling in Vang Vieng, Laos when they fell ill last week.
It is believed that the pair ingested alcohol that was allegedly tainted with methanol, a clear chemical that is illegally added to alcoholic beverages as a cheap alternative to ethanol.
As reported by 9News, Bowles and Jones were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng where they indulged in a couple of drinks before heading to Jaidee Bar on November 11. However, their movements in the town are still unknown.
According to the hostel’s manager Duong Duc Toan, staff claimed they were told by other guests about how unwell the Aussie teens were after they failed to make their check out on November 13.
The hotel staff then organised transport to a hospital for them.
Following the tragic news, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered his condolences to Jones’ family in Parliament on Thursday.
“Our first thoughts at this moment are with her family and friends who are grieving a terrible and cruel loss,” he said.
“This is every parent’s worst fear and a nightmare no-one should have to endure.
“Bianca’s trip should have been a joyous time and a source of fond memories in years to come.”
Albanese went on to send his best wishes to Bowles, adding, “Australians hold her and her family in our hearts as we pray for her and we hope for a good recovery.”
Jones is the fourth person to have died in what has been described as a “mass poisoning”. On Thursday Morning, the US State Department confirmed that a US man had passed away in Vang Vieng and two Danish tourists — aged 19 and 20 — also died following suspected methanol poisoning.
Laotian authorities have launched a major investigation into the matter.
At the time of writing, Bowles is believed to be on life support in a separate Thai hospital. Her father, Shaun Bowles, thanked the public for the “love and support” they’ve received following the devastating news.
Image source: Supplied
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