The parents of Australian teenagers Holly Morton-Bowles and Bianca Jones have made an emotional plea to the public after their daughters tragically died from drinking methanol-laced alcohol while holidaying in Laos.
The young women, both 19, were vacationing in the tourist town of Vang Vieng in November 2023 when they unknowingly consumed tainted alcohol at the Nana Backpackers hostel, which ultimately led to their deaths.
The two teenagers were among six tourists who died at the same hostel after consuming the toxic drinks, sending shockwaves throughout Australia and beyond.
Among the other victims were Danish tourists Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21, British backpacker Simone White, and US national James Louis Hutson, 57.
A seventh tourist, Bethany Clarke, fell seriously ill from methanol poisoning but managed to survive.
Disappointment with Laotian Authorities
While initial investigations led to the detention of 11 hostel workers and the shutdown of Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky production, believed to be the source of the poisonings, the families of the deceased teenagers have expressed deep frustration at the lack of accountability.
Despite claims from the Laotian government that the investigation is ongoing, there have been no charges filed in connection with the deaths of Holly, Bianca, and the other victims.
The recent sentencing of hostel employees to suspended sentences and a fine of AUD$185 for destroying evidence has left the families feeling abandoned by both the Laotian authorities and the Australian government.
Shaun Bowles, Holly’s father, voiced his disappointment, saying: “[It] just puts another layer over everything that we're trying to deal with," per 3AW.com.
He further revealed that the case against the hostel workers was only brought forward in relation to the death of US citizen James Hutson, not the deaths of Holly, Bianca, and the others.
"Our understanding from our contacts in Laos is that there is no registered case [for the other five deaths]," Bowles added. “These people have been charged in a case which had nothing to do with our girls... and there will be no more charges, they are free to leave the country in around eight to 10 days time.”
Australian Government Under Fire
The families of the deceased teens have also slammed the Australian government for its inadequate response.
While the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) issued a statement expressing regret, it acknowledged that it “fell short of our aspiration” to provide effective consular support.
"No family should ever have to go through this," Mark and Michelle Jones, Bianca’s parents, said. "To date, no individual or organization has been held accountable. It appears these deaths of innocent young women may be forgotten, brushed aside, and left unresolved," cited by the Herald Sun.
Holly’s father and her mother, Samantha Morton, echoed this sentiment, accusing the Laotian government of being “corrupt and unhelpful," adding: “There is no evidence whatsoever to suggest there is any type of investigation going on.”
The grieving parents have also urged fellow Australians to reconsider visiting Laos. They have warned that their daughters’ deaths highlight the lack of value placed on foreign lives in the country.
"Your life is worth nothing over there, and we have seen this first-hand, as well as other families that have been involved in this tragedy," said Bowles.
In the wake of the devastating tragedy, the families of the victims have launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover out-of-pocket expenses and support efforts to raise awareness about methanol poisoning.
They hope to fund education and prevention initiatives to prevent future deaths like those of Holly, Bianca, and the other victims.