Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones has died in a Thai hospital after consuming a cocktail believed to be poisoned with methanol at a hostel in Laos last week.
Bianca, 19, was travelling South East Asia with her best friend, Holly Bowles, before the pair were believed to be poisoned at the Vang Vieng hostel.
Bianca and Holly, along with several other travellers, fell critically ill and were taken to hospital in Thailand.
Bianca’s family were at her side in hospital when she died on Thursday.
The Jones family provided the Herald Sun with a statement, announcing the death of Bianca, their “beloved daughter and sister”.
“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 reads.
“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.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese informed the parliament of the teen’s death in a statement during Question Time on Thursday.
“Our first thoughts at this moment are with her family and friends who are grieving a terrible and cruel loss,” the Prime Minister said.
Zoe Daniel MP, the member for Goldstein, which takes in Bianca’s suburb of Beaumaris, gave an emotional address during Question Time
“Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles went on a holiday to Southeast Asia, a rite of passage for so many young Australians just like them,” Daniel said.
“They could be any of our teenaged kids, embarking on life from the suburbs of Bayside Melbourne where they have both grown up, gone to school, worked in casual jobs and played AFL footy for the Beauie Sharks.
“Bianca’s parents Michelle and Mark and brother Lachlan have been by her side during this ordeal, for the last few days, at a hospital in Thailand. They are suffering pain beyond measure.
“As the member for Goldstein I offer my sympathy and strength to Bianca’s family and to Holly’s parents Shaun and Samantha who remain at her bedside in Bangkok. I send the families of both these girls love and strength along with people all over the country who have been thinking of these two young Aussie girls who simply headed off together on a life adventure.
“Our hearts are broken.”
Holly Bowles remains in hospital in a critical condition.
Earlier this week, two Danish women died from the same poisoning incident, and on Thursday, a US Department of State spokesperson confirmed the death of an American citizen. Shortly after Bianca Jones died, a 28-year-old British woman also died from the suspected poisoning.
Ten backpackers, including Jones and the other travellers who have now died, fell ill after consuming drinks suspected to have been poisoned with methanol.