VIENTIANE, Laos — An Australian teenager died in Vang Vieng, Laos, after consuming tainted alcohol. Australia’s prime minister described the event as a parent’s worst nightmare. The U.S. State Department confirmed a similar death of an American tourist, raising the death toll to four.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese informed Parliament that 19-year-old Bianca Jones passed away after being transferred to a Thai hospital for treatment. Her 19-year-old friend remains hospitalized in Thailand.
“This is every parent’s worst fear, a nightmare no one should face,” Albanese stated. “Our thoughts are with Bianca’s friend, Holly Bowles, who is critically ill.”
In a statement to the Melbourne Herald Sun, Jones’ family requested privacy during their mourning.
“She was surrounded by love, and we find comfort knowing her spirit touched many lives,” the family shared.
“We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support and prayers from across Australia.”
The State Department confirmed an American tourist’s death via email to the Associated Press, adding they would not comment further to respect the family’s privacy.
They stated that Laotian authorities are investigating and that the U.S. is offering consular assistance.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family,” the State Department conveyed.
Contact attempts to the Laotian Health Ministry were unsuccessful, and police declined to comment.
Laos, a landlocked and impoverished Southeast Asian nation, is a popular tourist destination. Vang Vieng is especially favored by backpackers seeking nightlife and adventure activities.
Reports of the alcohol poisoning emerged approximately a week after the two Australian women fell ill on November 13 following a night out in the town.
They reportedly consumed drinks containing methanol, sometimes used as a substitute alcohol in low-quality establishments and capable of causing severe poisoning or death.
Thai authorities confirmed Jones’ death resulted from “brain swelling due to high methanol levels in her system.”
“Alcohol tampering and methanol poisoning are tragically common globally,” Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said following Jones’ death.
“I urge parents and young people to discuss risks, stay informed, and work together to prevent future tragedies.”
New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry reported on Thursday that one of their citizens was also ill in Laos, possibly due to methanol poisoning. Denmark’s Foreign Ministry stated on Wednesday that two Danish citizens had died in Laos but offered no details.
“We’ve updated our Laos travel advisory to note suspected methanol poisoning cases from alcoholic beverages,” New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry advised.
“Travelers should exercise caution when consuming alcoholic drinks, especially cocktails and spirits, which may contain harmful substances.”
The U.S. has not yet updated its travel advisory.
On Tuesday, Duong Duc Toan, manager of the Nana Backpacker Hostel where the Australian women stayed, told the AP that staff learned of the women’s illness after they failed to check out on November 13; transport to a hospital was arranged.
The women were then transported to Thailand for emergency care, and their parents traveled there to be with them.
“All Australians extend their deepest sympathy,” Albanese said.
“Bianca’s trip should have been joyful and created lasting memories,” he said. “Sadly, that wasn’t the case.”
—Rising reported from Bangkok. Jutarat Skulpichetrat in Bangkok, Rod McGuirk in Melbourne, Australia, and Charlotte Graham-McLay in Wellington, New Zealand, contributed to this story.
