‘A terrible and cruel loss’: Melbourne woman dies after suspected methanol poisoning in Laos

Bianca Jones, one of two Melbourne teenagers whose dream holiday in South-East Asia was cut short by suspected methanol poisoning, has died “surrounded by love”.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was a nightmare that no parent should have to endure.

“Our first thoughts at this moment are with her family and friends, who are grieving a terrible and cruel loss. This is every parent’s very worst fear,” Albanese told parliament on Thursday afternoon.

“All Australians offer them our deepest sympathy in this time of heartbreak.

“Bianca’s trip should have been a joyous time and a source of fond memories in years to come, memories she should have carried with her in the long bright future that lay ahead of her. It is beyond sad that this was not to be.”

Jones, 19, was travelling with her best friend, Holly Bowles, when the pair fell ill after a night out in the Laos tourist town of Vang Vieng last week.

After being discovered seriously ill in their Laos hostel, they were sent to separate hospitals in Thailand. Bowles, also 19, remains in hospital fighting for her life.

The Jones family said on Thursday that Bianca had died in Thailand “surrounded by love”.

“We are comforted by the knowledge that her incredible spirit touched so many lives during her time with us,” her parents, Mark and Michelle, and brother, Lachlan, told the Herald Sun in a statement.

“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.”

Beaumaris Football Club, where Jones played, paid tribute to the 19-year-old late on Thursday night.

“Bianca’s brave fight ended today in the loving embrace of family in Thailand,” a statement on Instagram said.

“Bianca’s infectious charm and tenacity made her a fondly regarded teammate and friend. Her smile, exuberance and happy nature made her a delight to be around.

“The Beaumaris Football Club extends its deepest sympathy to Michelle and Mark Jones and their extended family at this traumatic time.”

On Thursday night, Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder made a heartwarming tribute to the two young Australian women caught up in the tragedy during a concert, describing the loss of Jones as “senseless”.

“We are sending you everything we have got today. We are so sorry,” Vedder said on stage in Sydney.

Five people have now died in the suspected poisoning incident. At least 10 others are seriously ill after drinking spirits believed to have been laced with methanol, a cheap and deadly form of alcohol mostly found in crude or criminal brews.

Denmark’s Foreign Ministry confirmed two of its citizens, aged 19 or 20, had died after being caught up in the suspected mass drink poisoning. Earlier on Thursday, the US State Department confirmed an American man had also died in Vang Vieng.

Holly Bowles (left) and Bianca Jones.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed her “heartfelt sympathies” to Jones’ family and said drink spiking was far too common in some parts of the world. She urged parents and young Australians to discuss the risks of overseas travel.

“Please let’s work together to ensure this tragedy doesn’t happen again,” she said.

In an Instagram post, the Ginger Fox Cafe in Beaumaris – where Jones once worked – said staff were “truly saddened to hear about the tragic passing of our former team member Bianca”.

“Sending all the love to her family and friends in this devastating time.”

Both Melbourne women have played football for Beaumaris Football Club. On Thursday, club president Nick Heath described Jones as a “beautiful person” and told Nine News the club had offered financial support to her family. Bowles’ father was an assistant coach at the club.

Zoe Daniel, the MP for Goldstein in Melbourne’s bayside suburbs where the women were from, was visibly emotional when she rose to speak after the prime minister in federal parliament.

“Bianca and Holly went on a holiday to South-East Asia – a rite of passage many young Australians experience,” Daniel said, her voice shaking. “And if you are to look at their holiday photos, you would see the wonderful adventure that these best friends were having together.

“They could be any of our teenage kids, embarking on life from the suburbs.”

Jones went to school at Mentone Girls’ Grammar while Bowles attended Beaumaris Secondary College.

Daniel offered her sympathies to Jones’ family. “They are suffering pain beyond measure, pain that no parent or sibling should experience,” she said.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also offered his condolences to Jones’ family.

“We hope that there can be some comfort to the family knowing that every Australian’s heart is breaking for this tragic loss,” he said.

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