Australian teenager Holly Bowles dies after alleged methanol poisoning with her best friend in Laos – as police arrest the owner of the hostel where the drinks were served

Australian teenager Holly Bowles has died after suspected methanol poisoning while on holiday in Laos with her best friend.

The 19-year-old’s family confirmed she died in Bangkok hospital on Friday, surrounded by her loved ones.

Her best friend Bianca Jones also died a day earlier in another hospital.

“We are heartbroken and so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace,” Mrs Bowles’ family said in a statement.

“We take solace and comfort in knowing that Holly bought so much joy and happiness for so many people.

‘Holly lived her best life, traveling around Southeast Asia, meeting new friends and enjoying incredible experiences.

‘As her parents, we were always so incredibly proud of everything Holly did. Holly was a great big sister to James and she always looked out for him.”

Ms Bowles is the sixth person to die after drinks allegedly mixed with methanol and served to guests at the Nana Backpackers Hostel in the popular party town of Vang Vieng.

Australian teenager Holly Bowles has died after suspected methanol poisoning while on holiday in Laos with her best friend

Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones (photo) died in hospital on Thursday

Hostel manager and bartender Duong Duc Toan (pictured) claims it wasn’t his Tiger Vodka that made tourists sick

She and Mrs Jones were on a gap year holiday when they both fell ill on November 12.

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 women being transported to a local clinic on the back of a motorcycle driven by a hotel staff member.

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

British lawyer Simone White, 28, also died, while the Danish Foreign Ministry confirmed that two young women from Denmark have also died.

It comes after the hostel’s manager, Duong Duc Toan, was arrested by local police.

An officer from Vang Vieng’s tourism bureau, who declined to give his name, said Friday that a “number of people” had been arrested in the case but no charges have yet been filed.

Staff at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, which was still operating but not accepting new guests, confirmed that the manager and owner were among those taken in for questioning.

But staff previously vehemently denied that the shots at their bar were responsible for the mass poisoning.

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

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.

Thai authorities confirmed that Ms Jones had died as a result of ‘brain swelling due to high levels of methanol in her system’.

Methanol can sometimes find its way into alcoholic beverages in Southeast Asia as a cheaper, counterfeit alternative to ethanol.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences on Friday.

“I am saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Holly Bowles. “This should have been a journey full of joy and wonderful memories – it is beyond sad that it was not meant to be,” he said.

“My thoughts and deepest condolences are with her family and her friends. I’m sure all Australians are thinking of Holly and her best friend Bianca Jones, who tragically passed away yesterday.

“The Australian Government will continue to provide support to Holly and Bianca’s families and local authorities.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong also issued a statement on Ms Bowles’ death on Friday.

“All Australians will be heartbroken by the tragic passing of Holly Bowles. “I extend my deepest condolences to her family and friends,” she said.

‘Yesterday Holly lost her best friend, Bianca Jones. I know all Australians will hold both families in our hearts tonight.

“The Australian Government will continue to support the families of Holly and Bianca, as we continue our efforts with local authorities in investigating this tragedy.”

Ms Jones’ family confirmed her death on Thursday.

“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,” they said.

“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.”