Aussie backpacker, 19, dies after drinking ‘free shots spiked with methanol’ in Laos as she becomes SIXTH victim

After a suspected group methanol poisoning in Laos, South East Asia, Australian teenager Holly Bowles has become the sixth tourist to pass away.

After the horrific event last week, the 19-year-old was in the hospital struggling for her life when her family declared her dead on Friday.

With Holly’s death, a total of six vacationers have lost their lives after consuming free shots in Van Vieng, a popular tourist destination, last week.

The 19-year-old “best friend” she was traveling with, Bianca Jones, passed away the day before.

“With broken hearts, we are so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace,” Holly’s father Shaun told Nine News on Friday.

“We find comfort and solace in knowing that Holly bought so much joy and happiness to so many people.”

They went on to say: “Holly was having the time of her life while traveling around Southeast Asia, making new friends, and having amazing adventures.

As her parents, we were always extremely proud of Holly’s accomplishments.

“Holly was an amazing big sister to James and she always looked out for him.”

Police have launched an inquiry into the terrible deaths, and online testimonials and reports from other travelers indicate that the victims may have ingested methanol-laced drinks.

Following Bianca’s death yesterday, Thai police confirmed to Reuters that she passed away from “methanol poisoning”.

According to an official, the doctor who examined her determined that methanol intoxication from counterfeit liquor was the cause of death.

“The amount of methanol in her body was high, leading to swelling of the brain.”

Several employees of the Nana Backpacker Hostel, where some of the deceased visitors were sleeping, have been held for interrogation, local authorities said AP today.

No charges had been brought, according to an unidentified tourism police officer; personnel subsequently confirmed that the manager and owner had been arrested.

The location is still open, but no new visitors are being accepted.

Police have not yet provided an official statement on the development or identified the people who are being held for interrogation.

It is believed that at least some of the vacationers impacted by the incident were lodging at the hostel, where they were allegedly given free shots.

The location informed ABC that their bar did not serve any poisoned drinks.

In addition, one American guy, two anonymous Danish women in their twenties, and British woman Simone White, 28, have passed away.

It is estimated that 12 further individuals, including British citizens, were left gravely ill.

Regarding Bianca, Thai police stated on Friday: “Despite receiving medical attention, she never regained consciousness after being taken up from Laos.

“The ingestion of methanol from counterfeit booze is probably what caused the fatality.

“It’s poison and cannot be consumed.”

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