Second Melbourne teenager dies from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos

Melbourne teenager Holly Bowers has died in a Thai hospital nine days after reportedly drinking a methanol-tainted beverage in Laos, her father has confirmed. Bowers’ father told 9News in a statement that his “beautiful daughter Holly is now at rest” after she died in a Bangkok hospital. Mr. Bowers said: “We are comforted and consoled knowing that Holly brought so much joy and happiness to so many people.”

Holly Bowers died in a hospital in Thailand. Her father stated: “Holly was living her best life, travelling through South East Asia, making new friends and enjoying incredible experiences. As her parents, we have always been incredibly proud of everything Holly has done. Holly was a wonderful older sister to James and always looked out for him.” The Bowers family has expressed their gratitude for the support they have received since their daughter fell ill.

Holly Bowers passed away after consuming a drink suspected to be laced with methanol. The Bowers family said: “We want to thank everyone from back home, Canada and around the world for their love and support for Holly and our family. We ask for privacy at this extremely difficult time.” This comes less than a day after a British woman became the fifth person to die in connection with suspected methanol poisoning from alcohol. According to officials, an American and two Danish tourists have also died, following reports of multiple people falling ill in a popular backpacker town in Laos.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement that he was “devastated” by Bowers’ tragic death. Albanese said: “This should have been a trip of joy and wonderful memories and it is incredibly sad that it has not turned out that way. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with her family and friends. I know all Australians are thinking of Holly and her best friend Bianca Jones, who tragically passed away yesterday.” Albanese stated that the government would continue to provide support to the Jones and Bowers families and local authorities.

Bianca Jones died from suspected methanol poisoning. Udon Thani police revealed that Jones died in hospital, having been in a coma since being transported from Laos, never regaining consciousness despite receiving treatment. Udon Thani police commander Patthanawong Chanpum stated: “The cause of death was most likely from methanol in fake alcohol. That is poison, you cannot consume it. It causes swelling of the brain and leads to death.” The UK government has confirmed a British citizen also died in Laos from suspected methanol poisoning. The UK Foreign Office stated: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Laos, and are in contact with the local authorities.”

British media have reported that the woman who died in Laos was 28-year-old Simone White, a lawyer at Squire Patton Boggs. It is believed the victims consumed drinks laced with methanol, which is sometimes added to mixed drinks by unscrupulous bars as a cheap alternative to ethanol but can cause severe poisoning or death. It is understood that the owner of the Vang Vieng Nana backpacker hostel where Bowers and Jones were staying has been detained in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, to assist police with their investigation. According to 9News, the hostel will be temporarily closed. The hostel owner insists the drinks did not come from his bar.

A phone number released by the Lao Ministry of Health was not reachable, and police have declined to comment on the incident. The US State Department confirmed an American also died in Vang Vieng, and the Danish Foreign Ministry said two of its citizens had also died in the “Laos incident,” but neither commented directly on a link to the methanol poisoning that caused Jones' death. It is understood that the owner of the Vang Vieng Nana backpacker hostel where Bowers and Jones were staying has been detained in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, to assist police with their investigation. Jones' family asked for privacy in their grief in a statement to Melbourne’s Herald Sun. “She was surrounded by love and we are comforted that her incredible spirit touched the lives of so many in her time with us,” the family wrote. “We wish to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love and prayers from all over Australia.”

The US State Department said local authorities were investigating the case and were responsible for providing any details, with the US providing consular assistance. “We extend our deepest condolences for their loss,” the US State Department said in an emailed statement to the Associated Press. Jones and Bowers were staying at the Nana backpackers hostel in Vang Vieng, but it is not clear where the contaminated drinks were served. Members of the Beaumaris Football Club, where both Jones and Bowers played for years, held a small vigil for the two at the club on Friday night. Mentone Girls Grammar, where Jones graduated in 2023, also paid tribute to the “beautiful young woman.”

Mentone Girls Grammar principal Natalie Charles said in a statement: “Bianca was a beautiful young woman in every way, who lived life with great spirit and boundless enthusiasm. She excelled in the school’s Australian Rules Football team as an agile and speedy forward, however, she perhaps excelled most off the field, building team spirit and encouraging her peers to try everything. Known for her caring nature and vivacious personality, she loved spending time with her friends. Bianca will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke about the death of Bianca Jones in Parliament.

Laos, a landlocked nation, is one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia and a popular tourist destination. Vang Vieng is particularly popular with backpackers seeking parties and adventure sports. Details about the poisoning began to emerge about a week after Jones and Bowers fell ill after drinking with a group in the remote town on the night of November 13. Thai authorities have confirmed Jones died from “brain swelling due to high levels of methanol found in her body.” Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed the death of Bianca Jones yesterday and urged parents to discuss the risks of methanol poisoning with their children.

Wong said after receiving news of Jones’ death: “Drink spiking and methanol poisoning is far too common in many parts of the world. At this time, I would say to parents, to young people, please have the conversation about risk, please be aware, and let’s work together to ensure this tragedy doesn’t happen again.” The New Zealand Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that a citizen of that country had also fallen ill in Laos, possibly a victim of methanol poisoning. “We have updated our travel advice for Laos, noting there have been multiple suspected cases of methanol poisoning after consuming alcoholic drinks. Travellers are advised to exercise caution when consuming alcoholic drinks, especially cocktails and spirits that may be adulterated with harmful substances,” the New Zealand Foreign Ministry stated.

Australia has also updated its travel advice, warning that several foreign nationals have become suspected victims of methanol poisoning in Laos this month. The US has not issued updated travel advice immediately. On Tuesday, Duang Deuk Toan, the manager of the Nana backpackers hostel, told the Associated Press that staff were told by other guests that the two women were unwell after they failed to check out as planned on November 13, and they arranged transport to take them to a hospital. The two women were then flown to Thailand for emergency medical treatment, and their parents flew to be with them.

Albanese said: “All Australians send their deepest condolences to them. Bianca’s trip should have been a time of joy and a source of wonderful memories for years to come. It is incredibly sad that it was not.”