Melbourne teen Bianca Jones dies after methanol poisoning in Laos

Melbourne teen Bianca Jones has died in hospital after drinking poisoned alcohol while on the trip of a lifetime with her best friend in Laos. 

The 19-year-old is the fourth person to die in an alleged mass poisoning after drinks were mixed with methanol and served to guests at the Nana Backpackers Hostel. 

Ms Jones had been on a gap year holiday with her best friend Holly Bowles – who remains fighting for life in hospital – when they both fell ill. 

Earlier on Thursday, The US State Department confirmed the death of a US citizen, aged 56, in the popular Laos party town of Vang Vieng.

It is understood two Danish women in their 20s have also died.  

Ms Jones’ devastated family confirmed her death in a statement.

‘It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our beloved daughter and sister, Bianca Jones, has passed away,’ the statement said.

‘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.

Australian best friends Holly Bowles (left) and Bianca Jones (right) are pictured

‘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.’

Ms Jones and Ms Bowles had booked in a four-night stay at Nana Backpackers Hostel, where they had been drinking and playing cards at the bar on the night they were poisoned, before reportedly going to nearby Jaidee’s party bar.

CCTV from inside the hostel shows one the girls being transported to a local clinic on the back of a motorbike being driven by a hotel staff worker after failing to check out of their rooms on time. 

They were then rushed to separate hospitals in Udon Thani and Bangkok in neighbouring Thailand. 

Ms Jones’ family previously said they hoped police got to the bottom of the alleged alcohol poisoning. 

A man who helped Ms Jones and Ms Bowles told the Herald Sun they had been drinking at Jaidee’s bar on the beachfront in Vang Vieng (pictured)

‘Our family has been overwhelmed by the messages of love and support that have come from across Australia,’ they told the Herald Sun.

‘This is every parent’s nightmare and we want to ensure no other family is forced to endure the anguish we are going through.

‘We hope the authorities can get to the bottom of what happened as soon as possible.’

More to come…