Laos methanol poisoning: Mourners gather to farewell Bianca Jones, killed in holiday tragedy
A community will come together to farewell Australian teenager Bianca Jones who died after consuming methanol-laced drinks while holidaying in Laos.
Ms Jones died in a Bangkok hospital on November 21, while her best friend Holly Bowles died a day later in another hospital in the Thailand capital.
The 19-year-olds from Beaumaris in Melbourne’s southeast had been on holiday in Laos and were among six foreign nationals who died in a mass drink-spiking event in the popular tourist town of Vang Vieng.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.A funeral service for Ms Jones will be held at Mentone Girl’s Grammar on Friday, where she graduated in 2023.
Guests are asked to wear colour and give to a GoFundMe fundraiser in lieu of flowers.
Ms Jones’ family said they were hoping to spend “the most important day” of their lives farewelling and grieving their beautiful daughter.
“Bianca was a private young woman, with a wonderful network, but she was not a celebrity,” they said in a statement.
“It is our wish Bianca be farewelled in a manner that reflects her life.”
The pair didn’t leave their dorm at the Nana Backpacker Hostel 24 hours after going to Jaidee Bar and reported feeling unwell on November 13, before being rushed to hospitals in Bangkok.
Thai authorities have confirmed Ms Jones died of “brain swelling due to high levels of methanol found in her system”.
Both girls’ bodies were flown back to Australia a week after their deaths.
About eight people have been detained over the deaths of an American man and two Danish women in Van Vieng, according to local media, but there was no mention of the two Australians or a British woman who also died of suspected methanol poisoning.
The men detained were identified as hotel staff and management.
Australian Federal Police have offered to help the Laos investigation, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying the government had made it clear to officials they expect a thorough and transparent investigation.
The fundraiser to help the teens’ families relieve their financial burdens has raised more than $400,000, prompting them to expand their efforts to fund education campaigns and raise awareness of methanol poisoning.
A funeral service will be held for Ms Bowles on Monday.
