’Profound impact’: Family’s tribute to Bianca Jones who died in Laos after suspected methanol poisoning

The family of a teenager who died after consuming methanol-laced drinks in Laos have shared an emotional statement as they prepare to say their final goodbye. Biance Jones, 19, from Melbourne, died in a Bangkok hospital on November 21 after consuming methanol-laced drinks in Laos. Her friend Holly Bowles died a day later. The pair had been on holiday in Laos and were among six foreign nationals who died in a mass drink-spiking event in the popular tourist town of Vang Vieng. Ms Jones’ funeral is taking place at Mentone Girls’ Grammar, where past and current students have begun arriving. Attendees are wearing spring time colours, as requested by the Jones family. The sounds of hymns and Ave Maria are echoing from the service. Her family released a statement ahead of the service, where they expressed their gratitude for the support they have received. “Today is a profoundly significant day for our family as we come together to honour Bianca’s life and say our final goodbyes,” the Jones family said. “The immense love shown by so many is a testament to the profound impact she had, reflected in the scale of today’s farewell. “We remain committed to ensuring that awareness of Bianca, Holly and others, internationally impacted by this tragic story, continue. “Their legacies are far too important to be forgotten and our children’s lives are too important not to protect. They said they hope their stories drive change and inspire efforts to save lives. More than 1000 people are expected at the service. Attendees are being given red ribbons to pin to their clothes; Mentone Girls’ students prepared the ribbons on Thursday, to match the school colours and the ribbons students wear in their hair. Arrests made over mass poisioning A group of eight men, aged between 23 and 47, were arrested following the suspected poisonings, including staff members and managers at the Nana Backpackers Hostel, where all the tourists are believed to have stayed. A further three foreign nationals who were working at the hostel have since been arrested, according to the ABC, however no charges have been laid. Laos authorities have also moved to prohibit the sale and consumption of Tiger vodka and Tiger whisky, with a Smarttraveller alert urging Australians to avoid the products over “serious safety concerns”. “Several foreign nationals, including Australians, have been victims in November 2024 of methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks,” the alert stated. Ms Jones’ father Mark said he was happy to hear there’d been updates in the investigation following the first spate of arrests. “We want to grieve, we miss our daughters desperately,” Mr Jones said as the bodies of Ms Jones and Ms Bowles arrived at Melbourne airport last week. “I was happy to hear that there’s been some movement over in Laos, we cannot have our girls passing and this continuing to happen.”