‘Profound impact’: Family’s tribute to Bianca Jones who died after suspected methanol poisoning in Laos

An Australian teen killed overseas has been farewelled in an emotional funeral at her high school.

A Melbourne teenager poisoned overseas has been farewelled by hundreds of mourners at her high school in an emotional guard of honour.

Bianca Jones, 19, from Melbourne, died in a Bangkok hospital on November 21 after consuming methanol-laced drinks in Laos.

Her friend Holly Bowles died a day later.

The pair 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.

Ms Jones’ funeral took place at her school Mentone Girls’ Grammar on Friday, and was attended by hundreds of past and current students, family and friends.

Bianca Jones died following suspected methanol poisoning in Laos. Picture: Supplied

Ms Jones’ friend Holly Bowles (pictured) also died, along with four other tourists. Picture: Facebook

Attendees wore colourful outfits, as requested by the Jones family.

The sounds of hymns and Ave Maria echoed from inside the school hall.

Fine line drawings by Ms Jones herself were included in the funeral booklet; images of a rose, rabbits and a water colour butterfly.

The Mentone Girls’ Grammar choir sung at the ceremony.

After the service the hundreds of people in attendance formed a guard of honour as Ms Jones’ body and coffin were carried through the sea of colourfully dressed mourners.

The crowd was hushed as the hurst departed the school grounds, being led by a funeral director on foot, carrying a black and white image of Ms Jones.

Bianca Jones’ father Mark Jones, centre, with Shaun Bowles behind him, who is the father of Holly Bowles who also died following the same incident. Picture: NewsWire / Ian Currie

Attorney-General of Australia Mark Dreyfus arrives at the service. Picture: NewsWire/Ian Currie

Attendees were asked to were bright colours. Picture: NewsWire / Ian Currie

As mourners entered the school grounds earlier, the school principal read a statement from the Jones family which expressed gratitude for the support they had received.

“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.

Current and past students gathered for the service. Picture: NewsWire / Ian Currie

The Jones family are fundraising to raise awareness for methanol poisoning. Picture: NewsWire / Ian Currie

“We remain committed to ensuring that awareness of Bianca, Holly and others, internationally impacted by this tragic story, continue.

“Their legacies are far too important to be forgotten and our children’s lives are too important not to protect.”

They said they hope their stories drive change and inspire efforts to save lives.

Attendees are were given red ribbons to pin to their clothes; Mentone Girls’ students prepared the ribbons on Thursday, to match the school colours and the ribbons pupils wear in their hair.

Arrests made over mass poisoning

A group of eight men, aged between 23 and 47, were arrested following the suspected poisonings, including staff members and managers at the Nana Backpackers Hostel, where all the tourists are believed to have stayed.

A further three foreign nationals who were working at the hostel have since been arrested, according to the ABC, however no charges have been laid.

Bianca Jones’ father Mark is pictured following the death of his daughter. Source: 9 sunrise

Laos authorities have also moved to prohibit the sale and consumption of Tiger vodka and Tiger whisky, with a Smart Traveller alert urging Australians to avoid the products over “serious safety concerns”.

“Several foreign nationals, including Australians, have been victims in November 2024 of methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks,” the alert stated.

Ms Jones’ father Mark said he was happy to hear there’d been updates in the investigation following the first spate of arrests.

“We want to grieve, we miss our daughters desperately,” Mr Jones said as the bodies of Ms Jones and Ms Bowles arrived at Melbourne airport last week.

“I was happy to hear that there’s been some movement over in Laos, we cannot have our girls passing and this continuing to happen.”