Melbourne teen Bianca Jones dies in methanol poisoning tragedy

American rock band Pearl Jam paused during their sold out Sydney show to reflect on the “senseless tragedy” in Laos that claimed the life of Bianca Jones and left her friend Holly Bowles fighting for life.

American rock band Pearl Jam have paid tribute to Melbourne methanol poisoning victim Bianca Jones during their sold out Sydney show.

Addressing the crowd at Olympic Park, Eddie Vedder said the 19-year-old’s death was a “senseless tragedy”.

“The one young woman, Bianca Jones, she’s passed, and her friend Holly Bowles is hanging on and we wish her the best, and we are thinking of the parents,” he said to the 50,000 fans gathered.

“We are sending you everything we have got today. We are so sorry.”

Ms Jones died on Thursday after consuming methanol-laced drinks on a “dream getaway” in Laos.

Bianca Jones. Picture: Supplied

Both Ms Jones and Ms Bowles spent days in a coma, fighting for life in separate hospitals in Bangkok and Udon Thani with their families by their side.

Ms Jones’ family confirmed her death in a statement to the Herald Sun 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,” the statement said.

Bianca Jones has been remembered by her family for her ‘incredible spirit’. Picture: Supplied

“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.

“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.”

Bianca Jones has been on a dream getaway with her best friend in Southeast Asia. Picture: Facebook

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

Principal of Mentone Girls Grammar Natalie Charles paid tribute to Ms Jones in a statement to the Herald Sun on Friday.

“Bianca was a beautiful young woman in every sense of the word, who lived her life with great spirit and unbridled enthusiasm,” Ms Charles said.

She described Ms Bowles as an “active participant in school life” who excelled as a “nimble and speedy forward” in the school footy team.

“It was probably off the field where she shone the brightest, building team spirit and encouraging her peers to give everything a go,”

“Known for her caring nature and bubbly personality, she loved spending time with her friends. Bianca will be fondly remembered and deeply missed”.

Staff and students have been offered counselling as they come to terms with the unimaginable tragedy.

Ms Jones is the fourth victim linked to the mass drink poisoning in Laos following the deaths of two Danish women and an American man.

Ms Jones was heavily involved in the Beaumaris Football Club, progressing through its junior program and then achieving rarefied air by playing in the BFC premiership team in 2022.

Holly and Bianca both played in premierships for the Beaumaris Football Club.

Ms Bowles’ father, Shaun, on Wednesday night said his daughter remained on life support.

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

“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.”

Leaders offer deepest condolences

Anthony Albanese has offered his deepest condolences to Bianca Jones’ family and friends at their time of heartbreak.

“This is every parent’s very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure,” the Prime Minister told the parliament.

“This trip should have been a joyous time and a source of fond memories in years to come, memories that she should have carried with her, the long, bright future that lay ahead of her.

“It is beyond sad that this was not to be.”

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton joined in extending his heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Coalition.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are still on life support and we hope that there can be some comfort to the family knowing that every Australians’ heart is breaking for this tragic loss,” Mr Dutton said.

Goldstein MP Zoe Daniel also offered her “sympathy and strength” to Ms Jones’ family and Holly’s parents, who remain at her bedside.

Ms Daniel became emotional as she spoke about the girls’ holiday to Southeast Asia being a rite of passage for so many young Australians.

“They could be any of our teenage kids, embarking on life from the suburbs of Bayside Melbourne where they have both grown up, gone to school, worked in casual jobs and played footy for the Beauie Sharks,” she said.

“To all members of my community, I feel your worry and your grief and will do my best to support you through this.

“Our hearts are broken.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong offered her condolences to Ms Jones’ family.

She also said she was thinking of Ms Bowles’ family during such a distressing time.

“We want our children to be able to explore the world – but above all we want them to be safe,” she told the Herald Sun.

“Drink spiking and methanol poisoning are constant risks in a lot of the world.

“This is a tragedy that could happen to anyone.

“There is no such thing as being too vigilant.

“At this devastating time, I encourage parents and young people to be talking about these risks and learning about them on Smartraveller.

“To support those conversations I want to bring media and experts together – so we build awareness of risks and the resources that are available for families.”