Heartbroken family of Bianca Jones share touching tribute
Bianca Jones’ family have shared an emotional statement as they prepare to say their final goodbye. Read their statement.
National
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Bianca Jones’ family have revealed “the immense love” that has overflowed for her as they said their final goodbye.
The 19-year-old Melbourne woman was farewelled at a funeral at her former school, Mentone Girls’ Grammar, at midday on Friday.
More than 1000 people attended, with mourners asked to wear colour in memory of Bianca, who was one of six people who died from methanol poisoning in Laos last month.
A statement from the Jones family was released at 11.30am, ahead of the service.
“Today is a profoundly significant day for our family as we come together to honour Bianca’s life and say our final goodbyes,” the Jones family said.
“The immense love shown by so many is a testament to the profound impact she had, reflected in the scale of today’s farewell.”
Bianca was on the “trip of a lifetime” with her best friend Holly Bowles, of Beaumaris in Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs.
They both fell ill after drinking “free vodka shots” at the bar at Nana Backpackers in Vang Vieng, Laos, on November 12.
Bianca died in the private Bangkok Hospital in Udon Thani, a three-hour drive from Vang Vieng, on November 21.
Danish women Freja Sorensen, 21, and Anne-Sofie Coyman, 20, American man James Louis Hutson, 56, and British lawyer Simone White, 28, also stayed at Nana Backpackers and became sick.
All six tourists died of methanol poisoning last month, with Laos Police detaining 11 “staff and management” from the backpackers but no charges have yet been laid.
The tragic deaths have sparked an “outpouring” of emotion, the Jones family said.
“We want to thank the people of Australia and the wider community for the outpouring of love, support, and compassion during this extremely difficult time,” the family said.
“Your kindness has been a source of strength and comfort for our family.”
All six victims were believed to have been drinking Tiger Vodka, which is brewed in the Laos capital Vientiane.
The police investigation was likely to consider what part of the supply chain that methanol was added to the drink.
Methanol can be sometimes found in homemade spirits, with drinking as little as 25ml, less than a standard shot, likely to be fatal.
The Jones family said they wanted to prevent any further methanol related deaths.
“We remain committed to ensuring that awareness of Bianca, Holly, and others internationally impacted by this tragic story continues,” the family said.
“Their legacies are far too important to be forgotten, and our children’s lives too important not to protect. We hope their stories drive change and inspire efforts to save lives.”
The family had also asked “that our family is given the space to grieve privately on this deeply emotional day.
“We thank you for respecting our privacy during this time.”
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