Melbourne teen Bianca Jones dies after suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, family confirm
The 19-year-old had been on life support in a critical condition for days after the incident on November 11.
Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones has died in Thailand, just over a week after she was suspected to have ingested methanol at a Laos nightclub with best friend Holly Bowles.
The 19-year-old had been on life support in a critical condition for days after the incident on November 11. She was in hospital in Udon Thani, some eight hours drive away from friend Holly in Bangkok, prior to her death which was announced by family on Thursday afternoon.
In a statement released this afternoon, Jones' heartbroken family confirmed her death, saying she was surrounded by loved ones at her bedside.
"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 supplied to the The Herald Sun said.
"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."
It's understood Jones' companion Holly Bowles remains on life support in Bangkok.
The two Melbourne teens were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng, a tourist town in the country's centre, before they went on to drink at Jaidee bar on November 11. It's believed it was at this venue the girls unwittingly consumed the methanol.
According to 7News, locals understand the spot to have ties with the mafia, telling a reporter for the network it's notorious for methanol poisonings.
Methanol is usually found in a range of products such as paint, fuel, and cosmetics, however it is also sometimes illegally added to alcohol as a cheap substitute to ethanol. Drinking even a small amount can be fatal. Footage of Jaidee bar reveals it allegedly offers drugs on a menu to patrons, including marijuana, magic mushrooms, opium and hash brownies.
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