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

Australian teenager Holly Bowles has died after suffering alleged methanol poisoning during a holiday in Laos with her best friend.

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

Her best friend Bianca Jones also died in a different hospital just one day earlier.

‘It is with broken hearts, and we are so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace,’ Ms Bowles’ family said in a statement.

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

‘Holly was living her best life travelling through South East Asia meeting new friends and enjoying incredible experiences.

‘As her parents we were always so incredibly proud of everything Holly did. Holly was an amazing big sister to James and she always looked out for him.’

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

Melbourne teen Bianca Jones (pictured) died in hospital on Thursday

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

She and Ms Jones had been 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 assistance. 

CCTV from inside the hostel shows one of the women being transported to a local clinic on the back of a motorbike being driven by a hotel staff worker. 

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 Ministry for Foreign Affairs confirmed two young women from Denmark have also passed away. 

It comes after the manager of the hostel, Duong Duc Toan, was detained by local police.

An officer at Vang Vieng’s Tourism Police office, who refused to give his name, said on Friday that a ‘number of people’ had been detained in the case but that 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 shots given at their bar were responsible for the mass poisoning.

CCTV from inside the hostel shows one of the women being transported to a local clinic on the back of a motorbike being driven by a hotel staff worker 

Toan said he bought the alcohol from a certified distributor and insisted it had not been tainted by himself or his staff.

He said the shots, a gesture of hospitality, were served to around 100 guests and that the hostel had not received any other complaints.

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

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

Methanol can sometimes wind up in alcoholic drinks in southeast Asia as a cheaper, counterfeit alternative to ethanol. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shared his condolences on Friday.

‘I am saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Holly Bowles. This should have been a trip filled with joy and wonderful memories – it is beyond sad that is it not to be,’ he said.

‘My thoughts and my deepest sympathies are with her family and her friends. I am 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 the 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 offer my deepest sympathies to her family and friends,’ she said.

‘Just yesterday, Holly lost her best friend, Bianca Jones. I know tonight all Australians will be holding both families in our hearts. 

‘The Australian government will continue to support Holly and Bianca’s families, just as we will continue our efforts with local authorities on investigations into 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 want to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love, and prayers we’ve received from across Australia.

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