Disturbing moment as football club chairman breaks down to pay tribute to Bianca Jones after her death from methanol poisoning

The president of the AFL club that best friends Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles played for says the community has been “rocked to its core” after Ms Jones succumbed to methanol poisoning this week.

The Jones family confirmed that the 19-year-old died on Thursday after spending a week in a hospital in Bangkok, Thailand.

Ms Bowles continues to fight for life after both girls fell ill in a suspected mass methanol poisoning in the popular tourist town of Vang Vieng on November 13.

The death toll rose to five overnight after British lawyer Simone Kent, 28, from Kent, died while at least seven other tourists remained in hospital.

Beaumaris Football Club chairman Nick Heath became emotional as he spoke about the impact of Mrs Jones’ death on the close-knit community.

“The news was difficult,” he told Sunrise on Friday.

“The only consolation is the overwhelming response we’ve had, not just from local people here in our local community, but the response from Australians has just been quite overwhelming.

“Certainly the families are communicating that, they feel that and it makes a big difference for them abroad while they are dealing with this terrible situation.”

Beaumaris Football Club chairman Nick Heath became emotional as he spoke about the impact Mrs Jones’ death had had on the close-knit community

The Jones family confirmed in a heartbreaking statement on Thursday that the 19-year-old (pictured) had died after a week in a Bangkok hospital

He said the Jones family were preparing to take Bianca’s body to Australia after spending a week at her bedside.

The President became emotional as he spoke about the “spirit for life” that both girls shared, as well as their love for AFL and travel.

“It’s no surprise that they went on this big adventure abroad post-Covid when their football careers were interrupted for a few years,” he said.

‘A lot of our young people are just catching up now (after) missing the Covid years, where they can now see the world and socialise.

“Then something like this happens and it just drives you crazy.”

On Thursday evening, US rock band Pearl Jam paid tribute to Ms Jones on the first night of their Australian tour in Sydney.

Eddie Vender told 50,000 fans that her death was a ‘senseless tragedy’.

“The only young woman, Bianca Jones, has passed away, and her friend Holly Bowles is hanging in there and we wish her well, and our thoughts are with the parents,” he said.

Holly Bowles (left) and Bianca Jones (right) both played for Beaumaris Football Club

“We’re sending you everything we have today. We’re so sorry.’

Jones and Bowles spent time in Laos as part of a gap year trip they had been planning for years.

Ms Jones’ family confirmed her death in a statement on Thursday.

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

“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.’