Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones dies after methanol poisoning in Laos

Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones has died in hospital after drinking poisoned alcohol during the trip of a lifetime with her best friend in Laos.

The 19-year-old is the fourth person to die after drinks were mixed with methanol and served to guests at the Nana Backpackers Hostel in the popular party town of Vang Vieng.

Mrs Jones had been on a gap year holiday with her best friend Holly Bowles – who is still fighting for her life in hospital – when they both fell ill on November 12.

Earlier on Thursday, the US State Department confirmed the death of a US citizen, a 56-year-old man, in Vang Vieng.

The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that two young women from Denmark have also died.

A British woman, 28-year-old Simone White, is also reportedly among the victims of the suspected mass poisoning and is recovering in hospital. And the New Zealand government has confirmed that a New Zealander is unwell and ‘possibly a victim of methanol poisoning in Laos.’

Mrs Jones’ devastated family confirmed her death in a statement.

“It is with the deepest of our hearts that we share the news that our beloved daughter and sister, Bianca Jones, has passed away,” they said.

“She was surrounded by love, and we are comforted by the knowledge that her incredible spirit touched so many lives during her time with us.

Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones (pictured) has died in hospital after drinking poisoned alcohol during the trip of a lifetime with her best friend Holly Bowles in Laos

Holly Bowles (left) and Bianca Jones (right). Holly, 19, is still fighting for her life in a Thai hospital

“We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love and prayers we have received from across Australia.

“The kindness shown to our family during this unimaginable time is truly humbling. We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate our grief and begin to heal. Thank you for respecting our family’s space.

‘With sincere appreciation, Mark, Michelle and Lachlan Jones.’

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Ms Jones in parliament on Thursday.

“We have received very sad confirmation from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that Bianca Jones has tragically lost her life,” he said.

“Our first thoughts at this time are with her family and friends as they mourn a terrible and cruel loss. This is every parent’s worst fear, and a nightmare no one should have to endure.

“All Australians offer our deepest condolences to them at this time of heartbreak. Bianca’s journey should have been a joyful time and a source of fond memories for years to come.

‘Memories that she should have carried with her into the long, bright future that lay ahead of her. It’s beyond sad that this won’t be the case.’

A man helping Ms Jones and Ms Bowles told the Herald Sun they had been drinking at Jaidee’s bar on the beach in Vang Vieng (pictured)

Albanese also mentioned Mrs. Bowles, “who is fighting for her life out there in Laos.”

“Australians hold her and her family in our hearts as we pray for her and hope for a speedy recovery.”

Ms Jones and Ms Bowles, also aged 19, had booked a four-night stay at the Nana Backpackers Hostel, where they had been drinking and playing cards at the bar on the night they were poisoned, before allegedly heading to the nearby party bar Jaidee went.

Staff became concerned after they failed to check out on November 13 and arranged to take the pair to hospital after they ‘calmly’ asked for help.

CCTV footage from the hostel shows one of the girls being transported to a local clinic on the back of a motorcycle driven by a hotel staff member.

They were then rushed to separate hospitals in Udon Thani and Bangkok in neighboring Thailand.

Ms Jones’ family previously said they hoped police would get to the bottom of the alleged alcohol poisoning.

“Our family has been overwhelmed by the messages of love and support coming from across Australia,” they told the Herald Sun on Wednesday.

Simone White, from Britain, is also reportedly among those affected by the suspected mass poisoning and is recovering in hospital

‘This is every parent’s nightmare and we want to ensure no other family is forced to endure the pain we are going through.

“We hope that the authorities can get to the bottom of what happened as soon as possible.”

It comes after hostel manager Duong Duc Toan, who served the girls the Lao vodka, claimed it was not he who made the girls sick.

Toan said he purchased the alcohol from a certified distributor and insisted he or his staff had not contaminated the alcohol.

He said the shots, a gesture of hospitality, were served to about 100 guests and the hostel had received no further complaints.

To prove his point, the bartender drank from one of the vodka bottles in use that night to prove it was safe.

Local authorities are still investigating the alleged mass poisoning.