Beaumaris Football Club to rally for Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, poisoned in methanol drink spiking in Laos

The parents of the two Melbourne teens poisoned in a methanol drink-spiking incident in Laos say the horror is something no other family should ever be forced to endure.

The family of one of the Melbourne methanol poisoning victims say they are “living every parent’s nightmare” as they keep a constant vigil by their daughter’s hospital bed.

Bianca Jones’ parents told the Herald Sun they had been “overwhelmed” by the outpouring of well wishes since news broke of the horror drink spiking in Laos.

“Our family has been overwhelmed by the messages of love and support that have come from across Australia,” they said.

“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.”

The family said there was no update on Ms Jones’ condition.

Ms Jones’ friend Holly Bowles, who was also poisoned by methanol, remained on life support on Wednedsay.

Speaking outside Bangkok Hospital, Ms Bowles’ father Shaun Bowles said his family were spending as much time as they could with her.

“Right now our daughter remains in an intensive care unit, in critical condition, she’s on life support,” he said.

Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones were victims of a horror drink spiking in Laos. Picture: Supplied

“We would just like to thank everyone from back home for all their support and love that we are receiving.

“We would also like for people to appreciate right now, we just need privacy so we can spend as much time as we can with Holly.”

It comes as football teammates and friends of Ms Jones and Ms Bowles will gather in private vigils over the coming days.

The 19-year-olds were poisoned when they consumed methanol-laced drinks on a “dream getaway” in Laos.

Ms Jones and Ms Bowles were on a four-night stay at Nana Backpackers Hostel in the popular tourist town of Vang Vieng in Southeast Asia.

On Wednesday, the pair remained on life support in separate hospitals in Bangkok and Udon Thani with their families by their side.

Ms Jones and Ms Bowles graduated from Mentone Girls’ Grammar and Beaumaris Secondary College last year.

They were both heavily involved in the Beaumaris Football Club.

In a statement, club president Nick Heath said the girls were “cherished and highly respected members” of the community.

“Both girls progressed through our junior program with Holly extending her love for the game to playing senior football this year in the highly regarded VAFA Women’s B Grade competition,” he said.

“Both girls have achieved rarefied air by playing in BFC premiership teams, firstly together in 2022, with Holly adding another premiership in 2023 by being part of the coveted U18 Division 1 Girls Grand Final winning team.”

Bianca Jones is in a Thailand hospital. Picture: Supplied

As is her friend Holly Bowles. Picture: Supplied

Mr Heath said the girls’ teammates were “struggling” to come to terms with the tragedy.

“The Beaumaris Football Club extends its love, best wishes and unconditional support to Holly and Bianca in their hour of need,” he said.

“Our heartfelt thoughts are also with their parents Samantha and Shaun Bowles, Michelle and Mark Jones, as well as their extended families and friends.

“The situation that occurred whilst both girls were travelling in Southeast Asia is tragic and distressing.

“Now more than ever, the wider Sharks Community needs to lean on each other for both comfort and support.”

Mr Heath told the Herald Sun the club would gather for the girls over the next few days.

The pair was staying at the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng.

Vang Vieng is a popular backpacker destination in Laos. Picture: David Caird

Meanwhile, it is believed Ms Bowles and Ms Jones were victims of a mass methanol drink spiking incident in the area.

Two Danish nationals, aged in their 20s, died last week after inadvertently consuming the liquid.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs can confirm that two Danish citizens have passed away in Laos,” the Danish office said in a statement provided to the media.

“For reasons of confidentiality in personal matters the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no further comments”.

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it was also supporting a number of British nationals caught up in the incident.

A FCDO spokesperson said: “We are providing consular assistance to British nationals and their families and are in contact with the local authorities following an incident in Laos.”

Originally published as Beaumaris Football Club to rally for Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, poisoned in methanol drink spiking in Laos