One of two Melbourne teenagers on life support following suspected methanol poisoning in Laos has died.
Bianca Jones and her friend Holly Bowles – both aged 19 – were on holiday in Southeast Asia when they fell critically ill last Tuesday.
The friends had drank free shots of Lao vodka provided by their hostel before heading out to a bar in Vang Vieng.
They were believed to have consumed drinks tainted with methanol.
The women were due to check out the following day when staff at the hostel were told they were unwell.
The teenagers were rushed to separate hospitals in Thailand as their conditions worsened.
'With the heaviest of hearts' — family statement
Jones' family confirmed her death in a statement released to the Herald Sun, AAP reported.
"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.
"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."
The family expressed their "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."
Her death was confirmed by police in Thailand.
Albanese: 'Every parent's very worst fear'
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Jones in parliament, calling her death "every parent's very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure".
"Bianca's 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 into the long, bright future that lay ahead of her," he said.
"It is beyond sad that this is not to be."
Bowles remained on life support at Bangkok Hospital.
Two Danish nationals and a US citizen have died, while at least 10 others have fallen ill, according to the ABC.
New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said a New Zealand citizen was also unwell in Laos with suspected methanol poisoning.
SHARE ME