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Home / World

Second Australian teen dies from suspected Laos methanol poisoning, taking death toll to six

By Aisling Brennan
news.com.au·
22 Nov, 2024 08:28 AM3 mins to read

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Holly Bowles, 19, has died at Nana Backpackers in Vang Vieng, Laos. Photo / Supplied

Holly Bowles, 19, has died at Nana Backpackers in Vang Vieng, Laos. Photo / Supplied

A second Australian woman has died in a suspected mass methanol poisoning event while travelling in Laos.

Holly Bowles, 19, died on Friday. Her friend, Bianca Jones, also 19, died on Thursday.

Six people have now died, with the other victims including a 28-year-old British woman, two Danish women, and an American man.

The owner of a backpacker hostel where the two young Australian teenagers were staying before they fell violently ill after allegedly consuming a poisoned cocktail has been detained by police for questioning in Laos.

“It is with broken hearts and we are so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace,” Bowles’ family said in a statement late on Friday.

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“We find comfort and solace in knowing that Holly brought so much joy and happiness to so many people.

“Holly was living her best life travelling through Southeast Asia meeting new friends and enjoying incredible experiences.

“As her parents we were always so incredibly proud of everything Holly did. Holly was an amazing big sister to James and she always looked out for him

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“We would like to thank everyone from back home, in Canada and around the world for the love and support that Holly and our family have received.”

Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles have died in a suspected mass methanol poisoning event in Laos.
Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles have died in a suspected mass methanol poisoning event in Laos.

The two friends had allegedly drank some alcohol suspected to have been laced with methanol. Several other international tourists were also sickened, with the death toll now at six.

It’s understood the owner of the Nana Backpacker Hostel where the two friends had been staying was detained on Friday for questioning by police in Laos, according to the ABC.

The two Aussies are believed to have started their night with free drinks at the hostel before heading out to other bars.

The ABC reports the hostel previously claimed the drinks in question did not come from its bar.

The family of Jones confirmed her death on Thursday.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our beloved daughter and sister, Bianca Jones, has passed away,” they said in a statement.

“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.

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“We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate through our grief and begin to heal. Thank you for respecting our family’s space.”

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