A teenager has become the ninth person to die from suspected methanol poisoning during a vacation in Laos.
Holly Bowles, a 19-year-old from Australia, sadly passed away in a hospital in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday (November 22), Daily Mail reported.
The teen's grieving family has issued a statement about the teen's death, which read: "It is with broken hearts, and we are so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace."
"We find comfort and solace in knowing that Holly bought so much joy and happiness to so many people," they continued. "Holly was living her best life travelling through South East Asia meeting new friends and enjoying incredible experiences."
"As her parents we were always so incredibly proud of everything Holly did. Holly was an amazing big sister to James and she always looked out for him," they concluded.
Bowles's tragic passing comes a day after her friend Bianca Jones, also 19, died from the same incident at the Nana Backpackers Hostel in the popular party town of Vang Vieng, Laos.
Methanol is usually added to mixed drinks as a cheaper alternative to alcohol but can cause severe poisoning or death.
Sky News reported that Bowles and Jones, both from Melbourne, are two of six people who have died after drinking the laced vodka in the popular hotspot.
British woman Simone White, 28, fell ill after reportedly drinking "free shots" from a local bar. In addition to this, two Danish women in their 20s and a 56-year-old US citizen also passed away as a result of the mass poisoning.
According to The Independent, the manager of the hostel, Duong Duc Toan, was detained by police. An officer at Vang Vieng’s Tourism Police office disclosed that they have arrested more people.
The owner claimed that he purchased the alcohol from a certified distributor and denied any involvement in its contamination. He explained that the shots were offered to approximately 100 guests as a gesture of hospitality and that no other complaints had been received by the hostel.
To further emphasize his point, Toan even drank from one of the vodka bottles used that night to demonstrate its safety.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shared his condolences to the teens' families, writing: "I am saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Holly Bowles. This should have been a trip filled with joy and wonderful memories - it is beyond sad that is it not to be."
"My thoughts and my deepest sympathies are with her family and her friends. I am sure all Australians are thinking of Holly and her best friend Bianca Jones who tragically passed away yesterday," he added.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that drink spiking and methanol poisoning are unfortunately prevalent issues "in many parts of the world”.
“At this time I would say to parents, to young people, please have a conversation about risks, please inform yourselves, please let’s work together to ensure this tragedy doesn’t happen again,” Wong added.
Our thoughts are with Bowles and Jones' loved ones at this time.
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